In a thinly veiled reference to rising tensions with China over maritime disputes, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared on Saturday ( May 18 ) that the nation would “vigorously defend what is ours.”
In a statement addressed to graduating military cadets, Marcos stated that the conduct against intruders who violate the country’s territorial integrity will be guided by the rules and the duty to respect the global community.
We will vigorously defend what is ours, Marcos said, “in opposition to invaders who have been disrespecting our regional integrity.”
Manila and Beijing have been engaged in an ever-increasing standoff in the South China Sea, including China’s usage of water gun that caused injury and property damage, a military-grade light that targeted Asian vessels, and what the Philippines refers to as “dangerous maneuvers” in the contested lake.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea, a pipeline for US$ 3 trillion in quarterly send- borne industry, including components claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
China’s broad states have no legitimate foundation, according to a 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.