NSC backs President Marcos position on Typhon missile pullout
MANILA, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) has expressed support for President Marcos’ setting as condition for the pullout of US Typhon launchers China’s withdrawal of its claims over Philippine territorial waters.
In a statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the NSC fully supports “the President’s call to the People’s Republic of China to respect Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction and stop aggressive and coercive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.”
“We have always pursued peaceful and diplomatic measures consistent with our desire to de-escalate rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea,” Año said.
“Our actions in the West Philippine Sea remain compliant with international law and established norms of cooperation and diplomacy,” he pointed out.
“We see this as contributory to peace and stability in the region, which will benefit not only the Philippines but the entire region,” he added.
He also stressed that the Typhon missile system in the country which is being protested by China is solely for defense purposes and not directed at any nation.
He said the same missile system was deployed in the Philippines during the 2024 Balikatan exercises with the US to improve readiness and interoperability with the armed forces of partner countries, particularly the United States.
“As such, its continued deployment in the country is essential in our efforts to improve our defense capabilities,” Año pointed out.
“Nonetheless, the President has made a sincere gesture to the People’s Republic of China, which we hope will be reciprocated in the spirit of goodwill and amity among our two great nations,” he said.
In a related development, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo clarified that the “provisional understanding” with China that allows unimpeded rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal does not compromise the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“We did not surrender sovereignty or sovereign rights,” Manalo said in an interview over “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” TV program.
He explained that the provisional arrangement covers the Ayungin Shoal alone and that it has led to “at