Key Takeaways:

• Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. offers to remove the US Typhon missile system if China stops its aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
• The controversial Typhon system, capable of long-range strikes, has been a focal point of tension between the Philippines and China.
• Marcos’ proposal highlights ongoing territorial disputes and reflects the Philippines' precarious position amid rising Sino-US tensions.

In a significant diplomatic move, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has publicly suggested that the US-made Typhon missile system could be removed from the Philippines if China agrees to cease its "aggressive and coercive behavior" in the contested South China Sea. This proposition surfaces amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations and is perceived as an attempt to leverage security discussions while questioning Beijing’s military assertiveness.

Marcos made his remarks during a recent event in Cebu, highlighting the contentious nature of China's claims over the area. "Let’s make a deal with China: stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen, and let them have a living," he emphasized, laying out the conditions for the return of the Typhon missile system, which was deployed in the Philippines as part of US-Philippines military cooperation. More than just a rhetorical gesture, his comments reflect the palpable strain in relations due to recent maritime confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces.

The Typhon missile system, which has been operational since April 2024, includes advanced capabilities capable of striking targets over 1,000 miles away. China has vehemently opposed its deployment, labeling it as incitement to geopolitical confrontation and an arms race. Chinese officials, including spokesperson Mao Ning, have criticized the presence of the system, arguing it exacerbates regional tensions. However, Marcos retorted that the Philippines does not comment on China's missile systems, which he described are "a thousand times more powerful than what we have," effectively turning the dialogue back onto Beijing’s aggressive posturing.

Security analysts view Marcos’ offer as potentially more symbolic than actionable, suggesting it underscores a strategic challenge to China's territorial ambitions rather than a genuine negotiation tactic. While the Philippine government seeks to assert its sovereignty in a region fraught with overlapping territorial claims, it is also navigating its defense commitments under a longstanding treaty with the United States that includes mutual defense provisions.

Despite the political posturing, the likelihood of a meaningful change in China’s behavior regarding the South China Sea appears slim. Experts have noted that any concession regarding the Typhon missile system could be viewed as a sign of weakness or capitulation, complicating further diplomatic engagements. Observers are wary that withdrawing the missile system could embolden China and diminish the Philippine military's deterrent capabilities in a region marked by increasing assertiveness from Beijing.

As tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea, the international community watches closely. Chinese military activity in the area remains high, while the Philippines maintains a strong stance against what it perceives as incursions into its territorial waters. The future of the Typhon missile system will likely play a crucial role in shaping the Philippines’ defense strategy and diplomatic relations in the coming years. For further details, refer to Reuters, AP News, LA Times, SCMP, Newsweek.