Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the threat to his nation from China¡¯s sweeping claims in the South China Sea is growing but argued that his government¡¯s efforts to assert sovereignty over disputed areas aren¡¯t meant to start a conflict by ¡°poking the bear.¡±
¡°We are trying to keep things on an even keel,¡± Marcos said Tuesday in an interview at the presidential palace in Manila. The challenge, he added, is that ¡°since the threat has grown, we must do more to defend our territory.¡±
The standoff between the Philippines and China, along with Taiwan, over a series of contested reefs and islands has become a critical flashpoint in the region. Since Marcos took office in 2022, the Philippine military and coast guard have ramped up operations to supply troops at a remote outpost and escort fishermen he says have relied on the waters ¡°for generations.¡±
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.