Marcos Jr.: Fatal Aggression Against Filipinos Could Constitute an ‘Act of War’

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. denounced the “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions” in the West Philippine Sea during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense summit in Singapore on Friday.

Unlike his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who faced criticism for his controversial “gentleman’s agreement” with China, Marcos emphasized his commitment to defending the Philippines’ territorial rights and integrity.

“The Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries envision peace, stability, and prosperity in the South China Sea,” Marcos stated.

“Unfortunately, this vision remains a distant reality. Illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”

In recent months, China has intensified its presence in the disputed waters, deploying coast guard ships and engaging in “grey-zone” activities.

These include the use of water cannons, collisions, and ramming tactics to disrupt Philippine resupply and patrol missions. Additionally, China’s deployment of fishing boats, regarded by the Philippines and its allies as militia, has further exacerbated tensions.

Following his address, Marcos underscored the global significance of security in the South China Sea, a vital trade route.

When asked by a reporter whether a fatal incident involving a Chinese coast guard ship and a Filipino could be considered a “red line,” Marcos responded emphatically.

“If a Filipino citizen was killed by a wilful act, that is very close to what we define as an act of war,” he said. “We would have crossed the Rubicon. Is that a red line? Almost certainly.”

The Philippines, a key player in the geopolitical struggle between the United States and China, finds itself at the heart of this escalating power struggle.

Earlier on Friday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and China’s defense minister, Li Shangfu, met in Singapore on the sidelines of the summit. Austin emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation under international law, particularly in the South China Sea, according to a Pentagon statement.

In response, Li accused the United States of stoking tensions with its military presence in the region.

Marcos highlighted the destabilizing effect of U.S.-China tensions on Southeast Asia, urging both nations to resolve their disputes more responsibly.

“Their rivalry is constraining the strategic choices of regional states. Their contest is exacerbating flashpoints and has created new security dilemmas,” he said. “The continued stability of this region requires China and the United States to manage their rivalry in a responsible manner.”