Marcos challenges China, offers to remove US Typhon missiles

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. challenged China during a media interview on Thursday to halt its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, offering to remove U.S.-deployed Typhon missile launchers if China ceases such activities.

Marcos reiterated that he would return the missiles if China stops claiming Filipino territory and ceasing coercive behaviors like harassing fishermen and ramming boats.

The deployment of Typhon missile launchers by the US military from Laoag airfield to another area in Luzon has been confirmed, with Philippine officials emphasizing that these systems are part of bolstering defense capabilities amid Chinese actions.

Philippine concerns over Chinese activities have intensified, prompting the U.S. to enhance its support through advanced missile systems, and the Philippines will continue training on the Typhon system during upcoming unilateral drills next month without live-fire exercises.

China's military expansion includes building more ships for its navy and coast guard, increasing its arsenal of missiles, and continuing a rapid nuclear expansion, with US estimates suggesting China could have 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.