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Philippine President Proposes Trade for U.S. Missile System Removal
In a notable diplomatic offer, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suggested on Friday that the United States could withdraw its missile system from the Philippines, contingent upon a cessation of what he termed China’s “aggressive and coercive behavior” in the contested South China Sea.
The Typhon mid-range missile system, deployed by the U.S. Army in the northern Philippines in April 2022, was positioned there to enhance joint combat readiness between the U.S. and the Philippines. This move was described by both nations as part of their longstanding military alliance.
China has been vocal in its opposition to the missile system, asserting that its presence incites geopolitical conflict and contributes to an arms race. The Chinese government has called on the Philippines to remove the system altogether.
Responding to inquiries about China’s stance, President Marcos expressed confusion, highlighting that the Philippines refrains from commenting on Chinese military capabilities, which he claimed vastly outmatch that of the Philippines. He stated, “Let’s make a deal with China: Stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen, and let them earn a living. If these actions cease, I will consider returning the Typhon missiles.”
Marcos reiterated his proposition, asserting that a halt to China’s current activities would result in the removal of the missile system from the Philippines. However, officials from China had not publicly responded to these remarks as of the latest updates.
Recently, the Typhon missile unit was moved closer to Manila from its original northern location, as part of strategic discussions with Philippine defense officials. This repositioning was described by an anonymous senior Philippine official as a precaution, given rising tensions in the South China Sea, where there have been increasing confrontations involving Chinese and Philippine naval forces.
The missile system includes a mobile launcher equipped to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, with a range exceeding 1,000 miles, thus capable of striking locations within mainland China. It is expected to remain stationed in the Philippines for the foreseeable future.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the Philippines for allowing the missile system’s deployment, alleging it worsens regional tensions and fuels an arms race. Mao characterized this action as a reckless decision that escalates confrontational dynamics in the region.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has firmly rejected China’s requests for the missile system’s withdrawal, labeling such demands as an unwarranted interference in the nation’s sovereignty.
Tensions in the South China Sea have heightened over recent years, with both the U.S. and the Philippines denouncing China’s increasingly assertive claims in the region, which has witnessed frequent skirmishes between maritime enforcement agencies from both nations.
Moreover, several other nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, have overlapping territorial claims in this crucial maritime area, which is essential for international shipping and rich in potential hydrocarbon resources.
Source
www.yahoo.com