The Philippines has responded firmly to China following a recent confrontation in the South China Sea, asserting that Filipinos will not back down. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that Manila's reaction would be measured and reasonable in light of the aggressive actions by China's coast guard and maritime militia. The incident involved Chinese vessels using water cannons against Philippine Navy crewmen near the Second Thomas Shoal.
President Marcos did not elaborate on specific actions the Philippines would take in response. The confrontation occurred as tensions escalated over the repair of the BRP Sierra Madre naval vessel, stationed at the contested Second Thomas Shoal. The reef, located in the Spratly Islands, is claimed by multiple nations, including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
