Philippines to ‘vigorously defend’ territory against intruders, Marcos says
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the conduct against intruders disrespecting territorial integrity will be guided by law.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on May 18 that his country will “vigorously defend what is ours”, in a thinly veiled reference to mounting tensions with China over maritime disputes
The conduct against intruders disrespecting Philippine territorial integrity will be guided by law and the responsibility as a rule-abiding member of the international community, Mr Marcos said in a speech to graduating military cadets.
“Against intruders who have been disrespecting our territorial integrity, we will vigorously defend what is ours,” he said.
He did not identify the intruders, but Manila and Beijing have been in escalating stand-offs in the South China Sea. These include those over China’s use of water cannon that resulted in injuries and property damage, a military-grade laser directed at Philippine vessels and what the Philippines calls “dangerous manoeuvres” in the disputed waterway.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for US$3 trillion (S$4 trillion) in annual ship-borne trade, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration found that China’s sweeping claims have no legal basis. REUTERS
