Manila and Beijing have had heated stand-offs over their competing claims in the South China Sea.
SINGAPORE — Any Filipino serviceman or citizen killed by a wilful act in the South China Sea comes very close to what the Philippines defines as “an act of war” – to which his country will respond accordingly, said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on May 31.
In his keynote speech, Mr Marcos once again referred to the defence treaty with the US, saying: “Our treaty partner, I believe, also holds that same standard for when the joint actions will be undertaken in support of any such kind of incident in the Philippines.” Beijing claims jurisdiction over most of the South China Sea, where more than US$3 trillion of global trade passes through annually, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
But he also noted that China’s influence over the security situation and the economic evolution of South-east Asia is “a permanent fact” – one to be balanced by the US’ “stabilising influence”. Mr Marcos’ speech marks the first time a Philippine head of state delivered the keynote address at the annual defence summit, and comes as Singapore and the Philippines mark 55 years of diplomatic ties.
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