Marcos says Philippines will not “start a war with China” – DW – 23.06.2024

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Sunday that Manila would not start a war with Beijing over the dispute in the South China Sea.

The incident follows the recent clash between Philippine naval personnel and the Chinese coast guard earlier this week.

Over three trillion dollars (2.8 trillion euros) worth of shipping trade is conducted annually across the South China Sea. Beijing and several Southeast Asian states have competing territorial claims against each other.

What did Marcos say about the South China Sea dispute?

“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 stationed in the South China Sea.

“Our business is not to start wars,” he said.

Marcos praised the Philippine military for “exercising utmost restraint amid fierce provocations.” He said Manila would not yield to “any foreign power,” but did not specifically mention China.

“In the performance of our duties, we will not resort to violence, intimidation or intentionally harm anyone,” Marcos said. “We stand firm. Our calm and peaceful attitude should not be confused with consent.”

What was the reason for the clash between the Philippine Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard?

On Monday, Philippine ships were attacked by the Chinese coast guard as they attempted to deliver supplies to the contested Second Thomas Reef in the Spratly Islands.

The Philippine military said the Chinese coast guard had knives and spears and “deliberately riddled” Filipino boats with holes. A Filipino sailor was seriously injured in the collision.

China said its actions were necessary to protect its territorial waters and that the Philippine ships had ignored warnings.

In response, the United States reaffirmed its defense commitments under a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.

However, Manila said on Friday that there was no reason to invoke the treaty because China’s actions, while an escalation, did not constitute an “armed attack.”

sdi/rm (Reuters, AP)