The Philippine military announced on Monday its plans to purchase the U.S. Typhoon missile system to strengthen its maritime defenses, particularly amid rising tensions with China.

The U.S. had earlier deployed this system in northern Philippines, which sparked objections from Beijing, viewing it as a regional stability threat.

The Philippine Army also stated that it would take at least two years to fully utilize the new defense system. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun had warned in June that the deployment of the Typhoon system could severely harm regional security.