18-5-2024 (MANILA) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to “vigorously defend what is ours” against any intruders disrespecting the country’s territorial integrity. The president’s remarks came during a speech to graduating military cadets on Saturday, 18th May 2024.
Addressing the rising tensions with China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea, Marcos emphasized that the country’s conduct against such “intruders” would be guided by the rule of law and its responsibilities as a member of the international community.
“Against intruders who have been disrespecting our territorial integrity, we will vigorously defend what is ours,” the president declared.
While Marcos did not explicitly name the “intruders,” the ongoing standoffs between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea have been well-documented. These include incidents such as China’s use of water cannons against Philippine vessels, resulting in injuries and property damage, as well as the deployment of military-grade lasers directed at Philippine ships and “dangerous manoeuvres” in the disputed waterway.
China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, a critical global shipping route worth an estimated $3 trillion in annual trade, have been a source of contention with the Philippines, as well as other nations like Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration found that China’s claims have no legal basis.
