Philippine government defends South China Sea rights, cites US support

The Philippine government will continue to defend its sovereign rights in the South China Sea without provoking others, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Thursday, August 14.

Castro reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s stance that while the Philippines will assert its rights, it does not seek conflict with any country and cited a recent dangerous maneuver by a Chinese fighter jet about 200 feet above a Philippine Coast Guard aircraft over Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday, August 13.

She also noted the presence of two US ships -- guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG-76) and littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS-20) -- located approximately 102 nautical miles from Zambales was in accordance with international law.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said recent incidents, including a mid-air harassment and a collision involving two Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal, indicate Beijing is intensifying its actions to intimidate the Philippines.

Despite escalating tensions, there are no plans to deploy Armed Forces of the Philippines assets to the area; operations remain under the Philippine Coast Guard's jurisdiction.