Philippines Asserts Peaceful Defense of Territory in South China Sea

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that the country will defend its territory and the rights of its fishers in the South China Sea, emphasizing that they are not seeking trouble. The Philippine coastguard recently removed a floating barrier installed by China that blocked access to the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated, partly due to the Philippines' efforts to deepen defense ties with the United States. Since the barrier was removed, there has been a decrease in Chinese presence in the shoal.