Stop sea aggression and we will return missiles to US says philippines.
Philippines Offers to Remove U.S. Missile System if China Ends Aggressive Actions in South China Sea
MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Friday that his government is willing to remove a U.S. missile system from its territory if China ceases what he described as “aggressive and coercive behavior” in the disputed South China Sea.
The Typhon mid-range missile system, installed by the U.S. Army in northern Philippines in April last year, was deployed as part of joint combat training exercises between the long-standing treaty allies. However, China has repeatedly called for its removal, arguing that its presence escalates geopolitical tensions and contributes to an arms race in the region.
Marcos Challenges China to a Deal
Addressing reporters in Cebu province, President Marcos questioned China’s stance, pointing out that Beijing maintains far more powerful missile systems without facing similar international scrutiny.
“Let’s make a deal with China: Stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen, stop ramming our boats, stop using water cannons on our people, stop firing lasers at us, and stop your aggressive and coercive behavior. If you do, we’ll return the Typhon missiles,” Marcos stated.
China has not immediately responded to the Philippine leader’s remarks.
Missile System Repositioned Near Manila
A senior Philippine official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that the U.S. missile system was recently repositioned from northern Philippines to a strategic area closer to Manila in consultation with Philippine defense authorities.
The Typhon system, equipped with Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, now stands in closer proximity to areas where Philippine and Chinese forces have been engaged in increasingly tense confrontations. Tomahawk missiles have a range exceeding 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles), bringing parts of mainland China within striking distance. The official noted that the system will remain in the Philippines indefinitely.
China’s Response and the Regional Dispute
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning last week criticized the Philippines for allowing the missile system’s deployment, stating that Manila is “creating tensions and antagonism in the region while inciting geopolitical confrontation and an arms race.”
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has dismissed China’s demand for the missile system’s removal, labeling it as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
The U.S. and the Philippines have consistently condemned China’s escalating assertiveness in the South China Sea, where repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces have intensified over the past two years.
In addition to China and the Philippines, other claimants to the South China Sea include Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The strategic waterway, a crucial global shipping route, is also believed to hold significant undersea reserves of oil and natural gas.
As tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate, President Marcos’ offer presents a diplomatic challenge to Beijing. Whether China will engage in negotiations or continue its aggressive tactics remains to be seen, but the strategic alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. appears more robust than ever in the face of growing regional instability.
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