MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines proposed on Friday the possible removal of a U.S. missile system stationed in the country, contingent upon China ceasing what he described as its “aggressive and coercive behavior” in the contested South China Sea.
The Typhon mid-range missile system, installed by the U.S. Army in the northern Philippines in April of the previous year, is part of a broader endeavor between the two nations aimed at enhancing their joint military readiness.
China has repeatedly pressured the Philippines to dismantle the missile system, asserting that its presence fuels geopolitical strife and instigates an arms race.
In response to reporters’ inquiries regarding China’s disapproval of the missile system, Marcos expressed confusion over China’s stance, noting that the Philippines refrains from commenting on China’s missile capabilities, which he claimed are significantly superior to those possessed by the Philippines.
“Let’s negotiate with China: Cease claiming our territory, allow our fishermen to work without harassment, stop colliding with our vessels, refrain from using water cannons against our civilians, halt the use of lasers against us, and discontinue your aggressive actions; we will then contemplate returning the Typhon missiles,” Marcos communicated to the media while in central Cebu province.
He further stated, “If everything stops, I’ll consider returning all of those.”
As of now, Chinese officials have not responded to Marcos’ comments.
Recently, the mobility of the U.S. Army’s Typhon missile system was adjusted, moving it from the northern region of the Philippines to a location closer to Manila. This adjustment was made in collaboration with Philippine defense officials, according to a senior official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
This repositioning places the missile system nearer to areas where both Chinese and Philippine maritime forces have faced off amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
The Tomahawk missile can strike targets over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away, placing various parts of mainland China within its operational range. According to the Philippine official, the missile system is set to remain in the Philippines indefinitely.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the Philippines last week, claiming that the presence of the U.S. missile system is escalating tensions, fueling antagonism in the region, and provoking a geopolitical arms race.
“This is a highly perilous maneuver and an exceedingly irresponsible choice,” Mao remarked.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has dismissed China’s calls for the missile system’s removal, interpreting it as undue interference in the Philippines’ internal matters.
Both the U.S. and Philippine governments have decried China’s escalating assertiveness in asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea, which has seen a surge in hostility over the last two years, marked by numerous confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels.
In addition to China and the Philippines, the South China Sea is claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, making it a region with overlapping territorial disputes. This area is a significant shipping route and is also believed to contain substantial underwater reserves of gas and oil.
