Philippines Stands Firm Against China's Provocations in South China Sea

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to defend the country's sovereignty in the South China Sea following a collision between Filipino and Chinese vessels. The Philippines accused China of causing severe damage to one of its vessels and endangering the lives of its crew. The incident occurred as the Philippines has been increasingly resisting China's aggressive claims in the region. Other Southeast Asian countries also claim parts of the South China Sea, and a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China's expansive claims. The U.S. State Department supported the Philippines and criticized China's reckless maneuvers.