Ph won’t be ‘cowed into silence, submission’ by China
By Nidz Godino
“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… Filipinos do not yield,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Philippines will not be bullied into silence as he vowed actions to counter China’s aggressive behavior in West Philippine Sea.
The president issued statement after China Coast Guard (CCG) once again blocked and fired water cannons at Filipino supply vessel damaging vessel and injuring three soldiers.
Marcos said government will implement “response and countermeasure package that is proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable in the face of open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks by agents of China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia.”
Marcos added he has been in “constant communication” with international allies and partners who offered to help Philippines in protecting and securing its sovereign rights and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in Indo-Pacific.
“I have given them our requirements and we have been assured that they will be addressed,” he said.
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III once again reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to Manila in phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday.
China blamed “provocations” by Philippines for rising tensions in hotly contested waters.
“China will not allow Philippines to do whatever it wants, and has responded in reasonable and forceful manner,” statement from Chinese defense ministry read.
The flare-up last weekend was latest in long-running territorial conflict between Manila and Beijing.
As response to the incident, Philippines summoned Chinese envoy to protest CCG’s “aggressive actions” near Ayungin Shoal. China’s embassy in the Philippines also complained to Manila over what it called “illegal intrusion” of Filipino ships into its waters.
Beijing claims nearly entire South China Sea, dismissing claims from other countries, including Philippines, and international court ruling that found its assertions to have no legal basis.
Relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated under Marcos as he improves ties with United States and pushes back against China’s attacks against Filipino troops.
ISKUP! 