Philippines Emphasizes Restraint After Violent South China Sea Confrontation

The recent clash on June 17 between the Philippine Navy and the China Coast Guard at Ayungin Shoal is not classified as an 'armed attack' under international law, according to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and other Philippine officials. Despite the violent nature of the encounter, which involved Chinese forces brandishing weapons and injuring Filipino sailors, the incident is viewed as a deliberate act to prevent the resupply mission rather than an act of war. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that the Philippines will not be intimidated and will continue to defend its sovereignty through peaceful means, while also awarding medals to the involved sailors. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and other officials maintain that China’s actions were aggressive and illegal, but they seek peaceful resolutions to the dispute. The incident has sparked significant concern and condemnation within the Philippines, including from political groups like the Liberal Party, which call for a strong assertion of sovereignty.