The Philippines said Monday it planned to acquire the US Typhon missile system as part of a push to secure its maritime interests, sparking warnings from China of a regional "arms race".

The deployment of a U.S. mid-range missile system in the Philippines and plans by Manila to acquire it are “completely legitimate, legal, and beyond reproach,” its defense chief said.

China urged the Philippines to "quickly pull out the Typhon missile system as publicly pledged, and stop going further down the wrong path."

The Philippines says it plans to buy the U.S. Typhon missile system as part of a push to secure its maritime interests, sparking warnings from China of a regional "arms race."

China slams move, warning that Philippines risks ‘arms race’ amid increased militarisation of South China Sea.

The Philippine military plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system to protect the country’s maritime interests, some of which overlap with regional power China.

China said a plan by the Philippines to deploy midrange missiles would be a provocative move that stokes regional tensions. The Philippines top army official told reporters in Manila earlier on Monday that the military plans to acquire a midrange system to defend the country’s territory amid tensions with China in the South China Sea.

China has criticized the Philippines' decision to acquire the U.S.-made Typhon missile system, citing regional security concerns. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed waters in the South China Sea.