President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared he is open to pulling out the U.S. Typhon missile system from the Philippines—but only if China ceases its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
Responding to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning’s call for the Philippines to remove the missile launchers, Marcos questioned China’s stance, pointing out that Beijing possesses far more powerful missile systems.
“Let’s make a deal: Stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen, stop ramming our boats, stop using water cannons, stop firing lasers, and stop your aggressive behavior. If they stop, I will return everything,” Marcos told reporters.
The U.S. military reportedly moved its Mid-Range Capability missile system from Laoag airfield to another location in Luzon, capable of striking targets in China and Russia. However, the Philippine Army clarified that the launchers would be used for training, not live-fire exercises.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines also rejected China’s demand, stating that no foreign power can dictate the country’s defense strategies.