President Ferdinand Marcos declared on Sunday that the Philippines will not be intimidated by anyone following a clash between the Filipino navy and the Chinese coast guard in the South China Sea.
The incident occurred on Monday near Second Thomas Shoal, as Chinese sailors prevented Philippine forces from resupplying marines stationed on a grounded warship. The warship was purposely placed on the shoal in 1999 to assert the Philippines’ territorial claims.
This clash is the most serious in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships as China ramps up efforts to assert control over the strategically important waterway.
“We will not be intimidated or oppressed by anyone,” Marcos stated during a visit to the South China Sea forces’ headquarters on Palawan island, the closest major landmass to the shoal.
Marcos awarded medals to 80 sailors involved in the resupply mission, urging them to “fulfill their duty of defending the nation” despite the dangerous situation.
Second Thomas Shoal is located around 200 kilometers from Palawan and over 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan island.
A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the clash, with Manila accusing Chinese coast guard sailors of using knives, sticks, and an axe, as well as stealing or damaging equipment.
Beijing claimed that its coast guard behaved professionally and blamed Manila for the altercation.
In previous incidents, Chinese forces used water cannon, military-grade lasers, and collided with Filipino vessels and escorts.
“We have never yielded to any foreign power in Philippine history,” Marcos proclaimed, asserting that the country will defend its rights in accordance with international law.
“Our calm and peaceful stance should not be seen as acceptance.”
The clash has raised concerns that the dispute could involve the United States, which has a defense pact with Manila.
The Philippine government clarified that the clash was not considered an “armed attack” triggering the treaty provision for US assistance. However, Manila remains concerned about potential Chinese attempts to dislodge Filipino troops on Second Thomas Shoal.
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