Marcos Challenges China: Cease Hostilities or Keep US Missiles

In a bold statement from Cebu City, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. responded sharply to China’s disapproval of the US Typhon missile system stationed in the Philippines. Marcos declared his readiness to withdraw the missiles if China would end its aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea. He highlighted the disparity between the criticisms from China and the silence from the Philippines regarding China’s significantly more powerful missile capabilities. Marcos proposed a straightforward deal: if China stops its territorial assertions and ceases harassing Filipino fishermen, ramming boats, using water cannons, and firing lasers, the Philippines would consider removing the Typhon missiles. This proposal comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the South China Sea, where China’s actions have been seen as infringing on Philippine sovereignty. The US introduced the Typhon system during the Balikatan exercises last April, and it has remained in the country, much to China’s chagrin. Upcoming unilateral military drills will see Filipino soldiers training on this system, further intensifying the situation.