China Coast Guard vessel 3304 replaces the “monster ship” off Zambales. Philippine Coast Guard/ PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela/X 

MANILA — The National Security Council on Friday stressed that the presence of the US Typhone missile system in the Philippines is for territorial defense as it urged Beijing to heed the call by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — also NSC chair — for China to stop its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he would send the Typhon missile system back to the United States if  China stops harassing Filipino fisherfolk and respects the Philippines' sovereign rights.

In a statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the Philippine government has aways pursued "peaceful and diplomatic measures" in the West Philippine Sea.

"As directed by the President, our actions in the West Philippine Sea remain compliant with international law and established norms of cooperation and diplomacy," he said.

Año also emphasized that the Typhon missiles is "purely meant for defense purposes".

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"We wish to emphasize that the Typhon missile system is purely meant for defense purposes and is not directed against any nation," he said.

He said the missile system was sent to the Philippines for the 2024 Balikatan exercises to help "improve readiness and interoperability with troops and equipment" from the US and from other countries.

The Philippine Army has since said it plans to acquire the Typhon system for territorial defense and as a deterrent.

"[T]he 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," Año also said.