Philippines ups stakes in China row, vows countermeasures to coastguard 'attacks'

The Philippines plans to implement countermeasures against what it calls "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks" by China's coastguard in the South China Sea, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The move follows repeated hostilities by Chinese vessels within Manila's exclusive economic zone. Marcos did not specify the nature of the countermeasures but emphasized they would be proportionate and deliberate. The Philippines has sought to deepen defense ties with the United States, including increased U.S. access to Philippine military bases and expanded joint exercises, amid tensions with Beijing.