Philippines won’t be ‘intimidated’ but won’t start war amid row with China

Marcos praised about 80 officers and personnel involved in Monday’s supply mission, including one who lost his right thumb during the high seas confrontation [Armed Forces of the Philippines via AFP]

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said his country is not in the business of instigating wars but “will not be intimidated” by anyone after a violent clash between the Philippine Navy and the China Coast Guard in the South China Sea.

“In defending the nation, we stay true to our Filipino nature that we would like to settle all these issues peacefully,” Marcos said in a speech during a Sunday visit to the headquarters of the Philippine South China Sea forces on Palawan island.