Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has proposed the removal of the U.S. Typhon missile system from the Philippines, contingent upon China halting its “aggressive and coercive behavior” in the disputed South China Sea.
The U.S. military deployed the Typhon system in northern Luzon in April 2024 during joint exercises, and it has remained in the country since. The system includes Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking targets over 1,000 miles away.
China has repeatedly demanded the removal of the missile system, asserting that its presence incites geopolitical confrontation and an arms race in the region. In response, President Marcos stated, “Let’s make a deal with China: Stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen… and stop your aggressive and coercive behavior.” He emphasized that if China ceases these actions, he would return the Typhon system to the United States.
The South China Sea remains a contentious area, with overlapping territorial claims from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The Philippines and the United States are bound by a mutual defense treaty, and recent confrontations in the region have raised concerns about potential escalation.
Despite China’s objections, the Philippine military plans to continue training with the Typhon system, viewing it as a means to protect the nation’s maritime interests.
