Philippines urges neighbors to stand together more strongly against China in the South China Sea

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says he had no choice but to defend his country’s territory in the South China Sea against what he called Chinese aggression and illegal actions in pursuit of Beijing’s own territorial claims. Marcos is attending a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Melbourne. His foreign minister urged regional neighbors on Monday to stand together more strongly in upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea, where China has constructed garrisons on several artificial islands in a bid to fortify its claims. The Philippines has accused China of deploying coast guard ships and civilian vessels to block fishermen’s access to reefs and corals and prevent resupply of its troops.