Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said today that his country would not surrender to "any foreign power" after Chinese forces injured Philippine navy personnel and damaged at least two ships with machetes, axes and hammers in a clash in the disputed South China Sea, but added that the Philippines would never have started a war.
Marcos flew with his generals and the chief of defense forces to the western island province of Palawan, which borders the South China Sea, to honor the naval personnel who were attacked on Monday.
They suffered an attack while trying to deliver food and other supplies to an outpost on Second Thomas Ridge, the most contested location in the area.
Videos and photos of the chaotic confrontation, released by the Philippine military, show members of the Chinese Coast Guard hitting a Philippine navy boat with a wooden pole and snatching a bag, using sirens and flashing lights along the way.
Chinese authorities say their Coast Guard had to take action after Philippine forces ignored warnings not to enter an area of sea that China claims belongs to them, a claim long rejected by governments in the region and international arbitrators.
The conflict has sparked a wave of condemnation in the US, EU, Japan, Australia and other Western and Asian countries, with China and the Philippines accusing each other of starting it.
Key advisers to Marcos said on Friday that the country has no intention of invoking the joint defense agreement it has signed with the United States of America (US).
"We are not in the business of starting wars. In defense of the nation, we will stay true to what is in the Filipino nature, and we will try to resolve these issues peacefully," Marcos said, addressing Philippine forces.
As for the conflict on the ridge, Marcos said they made a "conscious and deliberate choice to stay on the path of peace."
The attacked navy personnel defended themselves with their bare hands, while some of the Chinese had knives, Philippine Army Chief Gen. Romeo Browner Jr. said.
"We are not backing down. Our calm and peaceful attitude should not be interpreted as consent. History will tell you that never in history has the Philippines submitted to a foreign power," Marcos said.
Chinese officials in Manila and Beijing did not immediately comment on Marcos' statements.
Marcos praised the 80 or so officers and staff who took part in Monday's mission, including one who lost the thumb of his right hand during the clash, saying they "showed great composure despite great provocation."
Territorial disputes involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have long been seen as a flashpoint where China and the US could clash if confrontations on the high seas escalate into armed conflict.
Washington has consistently emphasized that it has an obligation to defend the Philippines, its ally in Asia with which it has the longest defense agreements, should it be attacked.
Indonesian forces have also opened fire on Chinese fishing boats in past skirmishes off Natuna Island, on the edge of the South China Sea.
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