Philippines: We Will Counter Illegal and Dangerous Attacks by China's Coast Guard

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the President of the Philippines, stated on Thursday, March 29, that his country will take reciprocal actions against "illegal, threatening, aggressive, and dangerous" attacks by the Chinese Coast Guard. Reuters reported that these remarks heighten the risk of escalating conflict in the South China Sea. Marcos Jr. did not provide details on the "reciprocal actions," but mentioned that they would be implemented in the coming weeks and would be "proportional, calculated, and reasonable" in response to what he termed China's "blatant and relentless attacks." The Chinese Coast Guard announced on Saturday that it had taken actions against Philippine vessels in the waters of the Second Thomas Shoal and Spratly Islands, a disputed area in the South China Sea. This area is home to several Philippine forces stationed on a warship that Manila deployed in 1999 to bolster its sovereignty claims in the region. In contrast, the Philippines described Beijing's actions as "irresponsible and provocative." The Philippine maritime strike group stated that China's actions have resulted in "significant damage" and harm to personnel on a civilian boat. Relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated as Marcos Jr. seeks to deepen the Philippines' defense ties with the United States, increase U.S. access to Philippine military bases, and expand joint exercises to include maritime and aerial patrols over the South China Sea, actions that have displeased Beijing. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, stated on Thursday that the Philippines is to blame for the deterioration of relations and is relying on foreign support while spreading misinformation and violating China's sovereignty. Wu added, "Manila's actions are heading down a dangerous path" and claimed that China has responded with "legitimate, resolute, and limited measures." The Chinese official further stated, "The Philippine side should understand that provocative actions will harm the country more than benefit it, and seeking foreign support will lead nowhere." China, which claims ownership of nearly all of the South China Sea, warned the Philippines on Monday to act cautiously and seek dialogue. Beijing stated that relations between the two countries have reached a critical point. In response, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned that he has met with Philippine defense and security officials and has been in contact with "friends in the international community." He stated that "they have helped us regarding what the Philippines needs to protect and ensure our sovereignty and jurisdiction while also guaranteeing peace and stability in the Indian and Pacific Oceans." Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, criticized China's "dangerous" actions around the Second Thomas Shoal during a phone call on March 21 with his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, emphasizing Washington's commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. The Philippines protested against China's "aggressive actions." Joint military exercises involving the U.S., Australia, and Japan were held in the South China Sea, with Japan stating it would cooperate with the U.S. and the Philippines in protecting the South China Sea. The U.S. affirmed it would defend Philippine vessels "in the event of an armed attack by China." Joint naval exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines were conducted in the South China Sea, as well as joint military exercises between the Philippines and Australia.