President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday his government will remove a US missile system from the Philippines if Beijing ends its "aggressive and coercive behavior" in the contested South China Sea and ceases claiming Filipino territory.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has offered to remove a U.S. missile system from the Philippines if China halts what he called its “aggressive and coercive behavior” in the disputed South China Sea.

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.

Philippine security officials said Thursday they took into custody five more Chinese spies, following the arrest of a compatriot for espionage this month.

The arrests come as confrontations between the two Asian neighbours over contested reefs and waters in the strategic South China Sea have escalated in recent months

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday challenged China to stop its 'aggressive and coercive behavior' and its claiming of territory in the West Philippine Sea and said he would return a Typhon missile system to the United States.

China's coast guard continues its weeklong presence near the Philippines' Zambales Province in what one analyst calls "a new level of sustained intensity."

MANILA must continue building its ties with other countries in the international community as Beijing is expected to continue its aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea this year, foreign affairs and security analysts said.

The Philippines said on Saturday it has suspended a scientific survey in the South China Sea after two of its fisheries vessels faced "harassment" and aggressive behaviour from China's coast guard and navy.

One fictional student in the 40-page comic book describes China as a bully and another says Beijing’s “behavior is outrageous.”

Philippine Airlines will boost its connectivity to mainland China with the launch of non-stop Manila to Beijing flights

Marcos’ dare in response to Chinese incursions in WPS President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday issued a strong challenge to China, saying his