President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday challenged China to halt its coercive actions in the West Philippine Sea in exchange for the country’s return of the Typhon missile system to the United States.
Speaking to reporters in Cebu City, President Marcos said that the government refrains from commenting on China’s missile systems but noted China’s outspoken objections to the Philippines’ defense measures.
He said he did not understand China’s opposition to the US Typhon missile system, first deployed to the Philippines in April 2024 as part of the Balikatan military exercises.
“Let’s make a deal with China: Stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let them have a living, stop ramming our boats, stop water cannoning our people, stop firing lasers at us, and stop your aggressive and coercive behavior, and we’ll return the Typhon missiles,” the President said.
“Itigil nila ‘yung ginagawa nila, ibabalik ko lahat ‘yan,” he stressed. By PND
