President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday challenged China to halt its coercive actions in the West Philippine Sea in exchange for the countryโs 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 Chinaโs missile systems but noted Chinaโs outspoken objections to the Philippinesโ defense measures.
He said he did not understand Chinaโs opposition to the US typhon missile system, first deployed to the Philippines in April 2024 as part of the Balikatan military exercises.
โLetโs 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 weโll return the typhon missiles,โ the President said.
โItigil nila โyung ginagawa nila, ibabalik ko lahat โyan,โ he stressed. | PND
