"Chinese Ships' Presence Unacceptable": Philippines Keeps 'All Options' Open To Counter China's 'Scare Tactics' In Sea

A Philippine security official has expressed alarm over China’s increasing aggression in the disputed South China Sea, warning that "all options are on the table" in Manila's response, including the potential for new international lawsuits. 

This follows a series of confrontations involving a large Chinese coast guard ship in recent days, which patrolled the disputed Scarborough Shoal and later sailed as close as 77 nautical miles (143 km) from the northwestern coast of the Philippines.

Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director-General of the National Security Council, called the Chinese ship’s presence “unacceptable” and demanded that it be withdrawn immediately. 

He emphasised that China’s actions were “pushing us to the wall,” stressing that the Philippines would not back down in the face of intimidation.

Malaya made it clear that these provocations only served to strengthen the resolve of the Philippines, stating, “We do not and will not dignify these scare tactics by backing down. We do not waver or cower in the face of intimidation. On the contrary, it strengthens our resolve because we know we are in the right.”

Philippine Coast Guard officials reported that two of their vessels, backed by a surveillance aircraft, repeatedly ordered the Chinese ship to leave the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from its shoreline. 

Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard emphasised the importance of challenging China's illegal presence and alerting the international community to the ongoing violation.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has taken a more assertive stance in defending its territorial claims in the South China Sea. 

This includes frequent confrontations with China’s coast guard and military vessels, increasing concerns about the potential for an armed conflict that could involve the United States, the Philippines' treaty ally.

The situation has also pushed the Philippines to seek stronger security ties with other countries, including Japan. 

Last July, the Philippines and Japan signed an agreement that would allow joint combat training between their forces, marking a significant step in military cooperation in the region.

Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s territorial claims, China has continued to defy the decision.

In response to the growing tensions, Malaya hinted that the Philippines may consider another legal case, noting, “Will this lead to another case? All options are on the table.” 

The Philippine government, however, remains cautious, considering the potential risks of further legal action, with China having previously warned against such moves.