Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged on Thursday to respond to China over the South China Sea dispute both nations have been entangled in. 

Marcos took to X to warn China of an adequate response to the water cannon attack that the latter struck several days ago. 

"Over the succeeding weeks there shall be, implemented by the relevant national government agencies and instrumentalities, a response and countermeasure package that is proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable in the face of the open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks by agents of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia," he said. 

Over the course of these past days, I have met with and spoken to our country’s National Security and Defense leadership. They have made their considered recommendations and, through exhaustive consultations, I have given them my directives.

I have also been in constant…

— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) March 28, 2024

The Philippines claimed that the China Coast Guard obstructed a Filipino supply vessel and caused damage using water cannons on Saturday morning near a remote and disputed reef in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' military reported that the nearly hour-long incident took place near Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese ships have previously allegedly engaged in water cannon attacks and collisions with Filipino vessels during similar stand-offs in recent months.  

Marcos revealed that the Philippines has been communicating with relevant allies and partners to garner support and help address the issue. "They have offered to help us on what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific."

Moreover, Manila was contacted by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who assured the Philippines of the United States' support and commitment to a mutual defense treaty between both countries. He also criticized China's "dangerous" use of water cannons against the Philippines. 

In this context, Marcos stated that the US received a list of requirements by his country, and was assured that they would be addressed. 

According to Marcos, however, the Philippines seeks "no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience."

China responds 

At the time of the maritime attack, China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu stated in a release that the Philippine convoy "entered the area without authorization despite multiple warnings and route controls from the Chinese side." They asserted that the Chinese conducted "control, obstruction, and eviction in accordance with law."

"We sternly warn the Philippine side: those who play with fire will bring shame on themselves. The Chinese Coast Guard is ready at all times to resolutely safeguard our country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Gan added.

China has now responded to Manila's threats and said that it would not allow the latter to "act willfully". 

Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian accused the Philippines of provoking and harassing China, adding that such actions are the reason for escalations in the region and regarding the China Sea issue. 

He also stated that the Philippines' move to request foreign support against China is a violation of international law, as well as the charters of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. 

Qian added that Manila “frequently infringed upon China’s sovereignty, made provocations and created troubles, and spread misinformation to mislead the international community,” in response of the Philippines blaming China for obstructing resupply missions to the deployed warship.

Read more: Why Philippines' current approach to South China Sea is risky