Marcos says the Philippines will defend its waters against Chinese aggression

This photo, provided by the Philippine Coast Guard on Sept. 26th, shows a diver cutting rope tied to a floating barrier at the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. (AP)

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine president said Friday that his country does not want a confrontation but will staunchly defend its waters after its coast guard removed a floating barrier placed by China at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.

It was the first time President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has spoken publicly against China's installation of the 300-meter (980-foot) -long barrier at the entrance to Scarborough Shoal which was dismantled at his order.