The Philippines will “return” the Typhon missile launchers to the United States if China will drop its claim on the West Philippine Sea and stop its harassment of Filipino vessels. It was an off-the-cuff offer made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The US military deployed the Typhon missile system in the northern Philippines last year as part of an annual joint exercise, and Filipino troops have been training with it, with plans to acquire the system as a means to protect Manila's maritime interests.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday challenged China to cease its "aggressive and coercive actions" against Filipino fishermen and Philippines' sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, so he could consider sending back the Typhon missile sustem deployed by the United States.