Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says he does not want war and seeks peaceful resolution of China dispute – Firstpost

Last week, another clash broke out between Philippine naval personnel and the Chinese coast guard in the disputed waterway. According to the Philippine military, a Filipino sailor was seriously injured and his vessels were damaged. “In the performance of our duties, we will not resort to violence or intimidation or intentionally cause injury or damage to anyone,” Marcos said.
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Sunday that his country was not interested in starting wars and would always try to resolve disputes peacefully amid escalating maritime confrontations with China.

“In defending the nation, we remain true to our Filipino nature and wish to resolve all these issues peacefully,” Marcos said in a speech to troops from the Western Command unit responsible for monitoring the South China Sea.

Last week, Philippine naval personnel and the Chinese coast guard clashed in the disputed waterway, leaving a Filipino sailor seriously injured and his vessels damaged, according to the Philippine military.

“In carrying out our duties, we will not resort to violence or intimidation, nor will we intentionally cause injury or harm to anyone,” Marcos said.

In his speech he did not mention China by name.

The United States, Britain and Canada condemned Beijing’s actions during a routine mission to supply the Philippines with supplies.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry denied the Philippines’ account. A spokesman said on Thursday that the necessary measures taken were legal, professional and beyond reproach.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea, which handles more than $3 trillion worth of maritime trade annually, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague declared that China’s claims had no legal basis. Beijing rejected this decision.

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