Philippine President Warns South China Sea Killing Could Spark War

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the killing of a Filipino by the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea would be "very close" to an act of war, potentially invoking the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. Marcos emphasized the Philippines' commitment to international law and the 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China's extensive claims in the region. He called for dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea, which is crucial for global trade.