"Philippines Stands Firm Against China's South China Sea Dominance"

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed alarm after a confrontation between the Chinese coast guard and a Philippine supply convoy in the South China Sea, but stated that it's not the time to invoke the defense treaty with the US. The incident occurred during a mission to a Philippine military outpost in the country's exclusive economic zone, leading to minor injuries among the crew. The US reaffirmed its defense pact with the Philippines, but the definition of an "attack" in the current context remains unclear. Experts warn of potential future clashes as China intensifies its actions in the region, while Marcos seeks direct communication with Chinese President Xi Jinping to address the situation.