Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Philippine President Marcos Warns China Against Crossing South China Sea Red Line

POSTED ON June 1, 2024 •   International News      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech after he was sworn in as the country’s new leader l Credit: Arisenews

The Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.on Friday has issued a stern warning to China, cautioning against crossing a red line in the escalating South China Sea conflict.

Speaking at a security forum in Singapore,Marcos declared that any Filipino casualties resulting from China’s deliberate actions would be considered near “an act of war,” prompting a corresponding response from the Philippines.

Addressing global defense chiefs, including representatives from the US and China, Marcos emphasized the gravity of the situation. “If a Filipino—whether a serviceman or citizen—is killed due to a willful act, it would be close to an act of war,” he stated. “Our treaty partners, I believe, hold that same standard.”

The ongoing dispute between China and the Philippines has intensified, with Manila condemning Chinese patrol ships for firing water cannons at Philippine vessels. Beijing defends its actions as sovereignty protection, while a Chinese military spokesperson accused the Philippines of provocations and deflecting blame.

Observers fear the conflict could escalate into a broader confrontation involving the US, which is treaty-bound to defend the Philippines. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed America’s “ironclad” commitment to its allies, while emphasizing efforts to prevent unnecessary conflict escalation. “Our goal is to ensure things don’t spiral out of control,” he said. “A war with China is neither imminent nor unavoidable.”

Marcos’ comments followed a hypothetical query about a Filipino soldier being killed by Chinese water cannons.

He affirmed that such an incident would cross a critical threshold, likening it to crossing the Rubicon. “Is that a red line? Almost certainly,” he asserted

Chinese and US officials at the summit expressed a desire to enhance communication to avoid conflict. The US aims to resume crucial military dialogues and establish a crisis communications working group. “Effective communication is vital for stability and security in the region,” Austin noted, highlighting efforts to rebuild trust.

The US continues to bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities through military aid and joint exercises. The Philippines is also increasing its own military spending, acquiring missiles from India, and participating in a defense roadmap with the US, potentially receiving drones, military transport aircraft, and defense systems.

Tensions over the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila has established a military outpost, remain high. China’s military claims the Philippines is emboldened by external support and has accused it of provocations. Despite these frictions, both nations signal a readiness to improve relations.

The summit highlighted the delicate balance of power in the South China Sea and the critical need for diplomacy and communication to avert conflict.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant geopolitical repercussions depending on the actions of the involved parties.

 

READ ALSO
Philippine President Marcos Warns China Against Crossing South China Sea Red Line
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 1, 2024 0

The Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.on Friday has issued a stern warning to China, caution...

READ ALSO
UK Drums Support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 18, 2024 0

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has said the United Kingdom was impres...

READ ALSO
Cardiovascular Diseases Claim Lives of 10,000 Europeans Every Day-WHO
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 15, 2024 0

Cardiovascular disease accounts for 40% of all deaths in Europe, according to the World Health Organ...

READ ALSO
Florida Bus Crash: 8 Dead, Dozens Injured In Northern Florida
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2024 0

Officials reported that a bus transporting farm workers overturned on Tuesday morning in northe...

READ ALSO
Turkey cuts Trade with Israel but Seeks role in Resolving Gaza Conflict
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 5, 2024 0

Turkey has cut off trade with Israel as bilateral relations deteriorate over the Gaza conflict. Th...

READ ALSO
German Chancellor Scholz says Democracy is Threaten over Attacks on Deputies
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 5, 2024 0

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly condemns an assault on a member of his party in the European...

READ ALSO
Binance Founder Sentence to 4 months in Prison over Money Laundering
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 2, 2024 0

The founder of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, Changpeng Zhao, has been...

READ ALSO
Iraq Criminalizes Same-Sex Relationships with 15-year Prison Sentence
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 28, 2024 0

Over the weekend, the Iraqi parliament approved a law that would make same-sex relations punishable...

OUR CHANNELS:

Nigeria Police Force Dismantles Notorious Arms Supply Network Linked to Bandits
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully intercepted a notorious arms supply network linked to armi...


Maduka Okoye Suspended for Two Months Amid Betting Scandal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

Udinese and Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has received a two-month suspension from the Italian Fo...


APC's National Assembly Power Grows to 70 with PDP Senator Defections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly increased to 70 on W...


Lagos State Mobile Court Prosecutes Five for Illegal Waste Disposal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

At least five individuals have been brought before a mobile court in the Bolade area of Oshodi, Lago...


Federal High Court Discharges Female Drug Offender on Compassionate Grounds
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday issued a caution and discharged...


APC Set to Appoint New National Chairman at Thursday's NEC Meeting
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

A new National Chairman for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be appointed on Thursday...


Military Jet Crash at Dhaka School Claims 31 Lives, Sparks Nationwide Outrage
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Grief and anger swept across Bangladesh following the tragic crash of a mi...


UK Sentenced Traffic Robber to 24 Years for Killing Footballer
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

A court in the United Kingdom has sentenced 27-year-old Oguzcan Dereli to 24 years in prison for the...


Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Reversal of U.S. Visa Policy Changes Amid Concerns Over Economic Impact
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the U.S. government to reinstate the five-year multipl...


CBN Maintain Interest Rate at 27.5%
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has decided to keep the country's Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu