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The president of the Philippines vowed not to yield to any foreign power after a clash with Chinese forces in the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. awarded medals to navy personnel who were injured and had their boats damaged in the altercation. The incident, captured in videos and photos, sparked condemnation from the U.S., EU, Japan, and other nations.
Despite the tension, Marcos emphasized his commitment to peace, stating, “We are not in the business to instigate wars.” He praised the Filipino forces for their restraint and urged them to continue defending the nation with integrity.
The territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve multiple countries and have the potential to escalate into armed conflict. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to defend the Philippines if attacked. Meanwhile, Indonesian forces have also confronted Chinese boats in nearby waters.
In the face of international scrutiny and escalating tensions, Marcos affirmed, “We have never yielded to any foreign power in our history.” The situation remains delicate, but the Philippines continues to prioritize peace in resolving disputes.