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 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.

The commanding general of the Philippine Army said Monday the military plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system to protect its maritime interests, some of which overlap with regional power China.

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.

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.