Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro rejected yesterday Chinese criticism of Manila’s plan to acquire a US-built mid-range missile system, telling Beijing to stop its “saber rattling” and “interference” in internal affairs.

The deal also underscores the deepening U.S.-Philippines alliance, rooted in the Mutual Defense Treaty and bolstered by enhanced military cooperation through initiatives like the EDCA and Balikatan exercises.

The Philippines' defence minister on Tuesday justified the country's deployment of a U.S. medium-range missile system and plans to acquire its own, despite opposition from China, a longstanding rival in the South China Sea.