US President Donald Trump has assured President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that he will raise the Philippines’ concerns over recent developments in the South China Sea (SCS) during his next meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said Trump made the commitment during a phone conversation with Marcos on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed global, economic, and security issues.
The call came a day after Marcos met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Malacañan Palace, where the Philippine leader discussed Manila’s relations with Washington and tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea.
Marcos also raised concerns over the recent confrontation between Philippine and Chinese forces at Ayungin Shoal, following the summoning of Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Tuesday.
The July 20 incident involved a China Coast Guard personnel who struck a Philippine Navy sailor with a wooden baton during a confrontation, causing a serious head injury.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Thursday that Marcos conveyed to Jing his intention to “reset” the Philippines’ relations with China while seeking to prevent further violent encounters in the disputed waters.
The Philippines has repeatedly raised concerns over incidents involving Chinese vessels in areas within Manila’s exclusive economic zone, as both countries continue to navigate competing claims in the South China Sea.
Photo courtesy of The Japan Times
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