The Philippine president announced plans to implement a 'countermeasure package' in reaction to what he described as 'aggressive and dangerous attacks' by the Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships in the disputed South China Sea. The president emphasized that Filipinos will not back down in the face of such provocations.
While specific details of the response were not disclosed, the president assured that the actions would be 'proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable' given the ongoing confrontations in the region. He reiterated that the Philippines seeks no conflict but will not remain silent in the face of coercion.
