NSC backs Marcos' call for China to halt aggressive acts in WPS

The National Security Council (NSC) expressed support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call on China to respect the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.

President Marcos proposed a deal with China: if Beijing stops its aggressive actions, he will send US Typhon missile launchers back to the United States from where they were deployed for defense purposes during the 2024 Balikatan exercises.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año emphasized that Manila is committed to peaceful and diplomatic measures in the West Philippine Sea while underscoring compliance with international law, noting that the Typhon missile system is purely meant for defense purposes.

The Philippine Army and Navy both supported Marcos' stance on the matter and reaffirmed their commitment to defending the country's sovereignty in accordance with international law.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad of the Philippine Navy emphasized that naval actions are rules-based, noting that no entity can dictate to them if they do not adhere to a rules-based approach.