President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. responded to China’s call for the removal of the US Typhon missile system, saying he would only return it if China ceased its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, including harassing Filipino vessels and claiming territory.
Marcos expressed confusion over China’s opposition to the missile system, noting that China possesses far more powerful weaponry.
He linked the missile system’s return to China stopping its coercive behavior, such as ramming Filipino boats and firing lasers at them.
The Typhon missile launchers, which arrived in April 2024, are part of efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ defense capabilities, and military officials plan to train on them in February.
China has strongly opposed the missile system’s presence, citing it as a source of regional tension, but the Philippine government has refused to remove it, asserting the need for enhanced defense amid ongoing territorial disputes.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 1, 2025
