Philippines Warns China for Attacks Against Filipino Crew, Vows of “Proportionate” Countermeasures

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos while strictly warning China against escalating the South China Sea conflict, said on Thursday that the country will not be “cowed to silence” by Beijing. The statement comes days after two Chinese coast guard ships fired at a Philippine supply boat with water cannons, injuring Filippino navy crew members while causing damage to the vessel. Only recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to the Philippines, had expressed India’s support for the country’s sovereignty, amid its maritime dispute with China.