Philippine president warns of countermeasures in response to Chinese aggression at sea

By JIM GOMEZ
Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine president says his government will take action against what he called dangerous attacks by the Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships in the disputed South China Sea, saying, “Filipinos do not yield.” Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not provide details of his government’s response but says it will be proportionate. China’s defense ministry accused the Philippines of escalating the South China Sea disputes by infringing on Chinese sovereignty. Disputes between China and the Philippines are escalating in the contested waters, where there have been minor collisions between the coast guard and other vessels of the rival claimant nations.