Philippine President Intends to Avoid Conflicts in South China Sea
(MENAFN) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared on Friday that the country aims to avoid conflicts in the South China Sea while underscoring the necessity of a strong defense to protect both its fishermen and territorial claims.
This statement follows Marcos’ recent order to the Philippines Coast Guard to remove floating obstacles installed by the Chinese Coast Guard in contested waters near Scarborough Shoal.
Addressing the press in Manila, Marcos said, "The government has to stand firm on its defense to protect the welfare of the fishermen and the country's territorial rights."
He added, "There is nothing else that could be done for the floating barriers, which blocked Filipino fishermen from productive fishing in the territory."
Earlier in the week, Manila announced the successful removal of what it described as a "hazardous floating barrier" around Bajo de Masinloc, also referred to as Huangyan Island, located in the disputed South China Sea.
In response, China claimed its coast guard independently took down the barriers and cautioned Manila against "provoking troubles" in the area.
Marcos emphasized that the Philippines will pursue its territorial claims in the South China Sea "not by force, but by legal remedies through diplomatic process."
China maintains that Huangyan Island, or Scarborough Shoal, is an " inherent part of China's territory, and China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters."
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