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Marcos tells AFP to 'de-escalate' tensions in West Philippine Sea
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to de-escalate tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea.
This directive aligns with the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea, where both nations agreed to reduce tensions.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. confirmed the President's guidance for the AFP to avoid escalating the situation.
He also mentioned that clear rules of engagement have been established, and Philippine Navy personnel demonstrated restraint during the June 17 RORE mission incident, which Marcos acknowledged.
Marcos recognized the difficulty soldiers face in exercising restraint while defending national sovereignty and interests in the contested waters.
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The Philippines and China have agreed to de-escalate and manage disputes in the West Philippine Sea following their recent bilateral consultation meeting.
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US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson urged China to stop harassing Philippine vessels operating within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, following a June 17 confrontation where Chinese Coast Guard vessels rammed Philippine Navy rubber boats.
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A recent Pulse Asia poll revealed that over 60% of Filipinos desire a code of conduct in the South China Sea and want China to withdraw its coast guard and militia from the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
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