Philippine President Marcos Jr. Stands Firm Against China’s Actions

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared that the Philippines will not be intimidated by China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Speaking at the headquarters of the Philippine South China Sea forces on Palawan island, he emphasized the nation’s commitment to peaceful resolutions.

During his visit, President Marcos awarded medals to 80 sailors who participated in a resupply mission and encouraged them to continue defending the nation despite the dangers. He stated, “We will never be intimidated or oppressed by anyone. Continue to exercise our freedoms and rights in support of our national interest, in accordance with international law.”

This statement came in response to a recent violent clash between Chinese and Philippine sailors near the Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese forces injured Filipino navy personnel and damaged military boats. Filipino sailors also accused Chinese coastguards of stealing and damaging their equipment.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejected China’s allegations that a Philippine ship illegally entered its waters, calling the claims “deceptive and misleading.” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad emphasized that the presence and actions of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) infringe on Manila’s sovereignty and escalate regional tensions.

The China Coast Guard had claimed that a Philippine replenishment ship illegally entered waters near Ren’ai Reef, prompting them to take action. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Ren’ai Reef, is a submerged reef in the Spratlys Islands in the South China Sea, where the BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded since 1999.