U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on Monday amidst escalating tensions between Beijing and Manila over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs responded to China's recent claims of 'historic rights' in the international waters, labeling them as baseless and misleading.
The Philippines reiterated its firm stance against actions that infringe upon its sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction. China's assertive behavior in the South China Sea, where it challenges the Exclusive Economic Zones of neighboring countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, has raised concerns internationally.
