PHILIPPINES WON’T BE “INTIMIDATED” BY “DANGEROUS” SOUTH CHINA SEA SITUATION

Sun 23 June 2024:

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared that the country seeks peaceful resolutions but “will not be intimidated” following a violent clash between the Philippine Navy and the China Coast Guard in the South China Sea.

Philippines releases dramatic new footage of clash at sea.

Video shows Chinese coast guard sailors brandishing weapons including sticks, knives and an axe clashing with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Seahttps://t.co/BA491csvrN pic.twitter.com/a7OMUZsC4Y

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 20, 2024

During a Sunday visit to the Philippine South China Sea forces’ headquarters on Palawan island, Marcos emphasized the nation’s preference for peaceful dispute resolution while awarding medals to 80 sailors involved in a resupply mission. He encouraged them to continue defending the nation despite the increasing dangers.

“We will never be intimidated or oppressed by anyone,” Marcos asserted, without directly naming China. He pledged to uphold the Philippines’ rights and freedoms in line with international law.

The clash occurred Monday off Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese forces injured Filipino navy personnel and damaged military boats. A Filipino sailor lost a thumb, and China was accused of stealing or damaging equipment. Beijing claimed its coastguard acted professionally and blamed Manila for the incident.

This clash is the latest in a series of escalating confrontations over territorial disputes in the strategically important South China Sea. The incident drew condemnation from the US, EU, Japan, Australia, and other nations, raising concerns about potential US involvement due to its mutual defense pact with the Philippines.

The Philippine government clarified that it did not consider the clash an “armed attack” warranting US intervention but expressed concern over possible future aggression from Chinese forces. The ongoing territorial disputes involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, with the potential to escalate into broader conflicts.

China recently enacted regulations allowing its coastguard to use lethal force and detain suspected trespassers for up to 60 days, further heightening tensions in the region.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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