Marcos: Chinese actions only steeled PH determination to defend sovereignty in WPS

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. said the aggressive actions by China against Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday has only 'steeled' the country’s determination to uphold its sovereignty within its territory.

“The aggression and provocations perpetrated by the China Coast Guard and their Chinese Maritime Militia against our vessels and personnel over the weekend have only further steeled our determination to defend and protect our nation's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.” Marcos said in a statement released via the president’s official account on X (formerly Twitter).
 

Chinese vessels water cannoned and rammed Philippine Coast Guard ships on a routine resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), the grounded tank landing ship on Ayungin Shoal.

“I have been in constant communication with our national security and defense leadership, and have directed our uniformed services to conduct their missions with the utmost regard for the safety of our personnel, yet proceed with a mission-oriented mindset.” Marcos said. 

Marcos reiterated what he said “is settled and widely recognized” that Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines’ “Exclusive Economic Zone”.


“Any foreign claim of sovereignty over it is baseless and absolutely contrary to international law,” the president maintained. 

“Bajo de Masinloc is sovereign Philippine territory and an integral part of our archipelago. No one but the Philippines has a legitimate right or legal basis to operate anywhere in the West Philippine Sea,” said Marcos. 

According to the president, “the illegal presence in our waters and dangerous actions against our citizens is an outright and blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order.” 

Marcos ended his tweet by addressing the country’s armed forces: “To our gallant service members, be assured of our utmost gratitude and fullest support. We remain undeterred.”—RHOEL FERNANDEZ, GMA Integrated News