As US missiles leave South Korea, the Philippines asks: are we next?

South Korea couldn’t stop the pull-out. Now, Manila must figure out if it is indeed a strategic partner or just another supply depot4-MIN READ4-MIN ListenPublished: 6:00pm, 11 Mar 2026Updated: 7:00pm, 11 Mar 2026The United States has begun pulling missile-defence systems from South Korea to feed its war with Iran, prompting fresh questions in the Philippines about Washington’s military commitments to the Asia-Pacific.The transfer of Patriot batteries from the Korean peninsula, accompanied by reports that parts of a THAAD anti-missile system were also on the move, did not directly affect the US military presence in the Philippines.But the episode has forced a question that Manila would rather not have to ask out loud: if America’s assets can leave South Korea, what exactly is anchoring them anywhere?Analysts say the answer reveals much about the nature of US alliances in Asia and the limits of what treaty partners can actually demand. South Korea may see US missiles move to Middle EastSouth Korea may see US missiles move to Middle EastSouth Korean President Lee Jae Myung confirmed on Tuesday that Seoul had formally opposed the transfer – and failed to stop it.“We have expressed opposition to the relocation of some air defence batteries by the US forces here for their own military needs,” he said.