Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos on Thursday (Mar 28) vowed countermeasures against “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks” by China’s coastguard stating that his country will not be “cowed into silence” by Beijing.
The remarks by Marcos come amid an escalating row in the South China Sea following altercations between the two sides that wounded Filipino troops and also severely damaged vessels.
Marcos did not provide details about the countermeasures, however, said that they would be proportionate, deliberate and reasonable in response to what he described as open and unabating attacks.
He also said that the countermeasures would be implemented in the coming weeks.
“We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience,” Marcos said on Facebook.
The strained ties between the two countries come after Marcos sought to intensify the defence ties with the United States, advancing Washington’s access to Philippine military bases and augmenting joint exercises so as to include sea and air patrols over the South China Sea, hence infuriating Beijing.
However, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian on Thursday (Mar 28) blamed the Philippines for the breakdown stating that it was relying on outside support and was invading China’s sovereignty and spreading misinformation.
“It is straying further down a dangerous path. The Chinese side will not allow the Philippines to act willfully,” Wu told a briefing.
“We have responded with legitimate, resolute and restrained actions. The Philippine side should realise that provocations will only do themselves more harm than good, and soliciting foreign support will lead nowhere.”
The most recent flare-up happened last week when China made use of a water cannon to thwart a Philippine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal for the troops deployed to monitor a warship purposefully grounded on a reef almost two decades ago.
China on Monday issued a warning to the Philippines to behave cautiously and seek dialogue stating that the relations between both countries were at a “crossroads”.
Marcos said he met his defence and security officials and has been in communication with “friends in the international community”.
“They have offered to help us on what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” Marcos said.
(With inputs from agencies)
