Marcos to discuss with Xi Jinping measures to prevent escalation of tension in WPS

SAN FRANCISCO, USA - President Ferdinand "Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Friday (PH Time) that he would meet with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to discuss measures that will prevent the escalation of tension in the West Philippine Sea. 

Marcos shared this as he mentioned that he and Vice President Kamala Harris talked about the West Philippine Sea during their bilateral talk. 

''And we tried to discuss some of the ways forward and I think that generally speaking, especially after my meeting with President Xi, which I’m going to have some time today. After that, we will put together the ways forward because we are continuously trying to maintain the peace,'' Marcos said. 

''And now that’s what I see the mission of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine military, our fishermen, all of us. It is our basic fundamental mission here --- is to maintain the peace,'' he added.

''And that is essentially what we discussed. Again, we will get the view of the Chinese President on what we can do to bring down the temperature, to not escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea,'' Marcos said.

China has since continued its aggression in the resource-rich region as it refuses to recognize the arbitral ruling that invalidates its claim in the area.

The Department of Foreign Affairs recently called on China to remove illegal structures, cease reclamations and be accountable for environmental damage in the West Philippine Sea

The DFA stated that regular resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are legitimate activities, and it will not give prior notification to China.

The strong statement came after Beijing asked Manila to give prior notification each time it conducts a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.

Recently, the Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard of firing water cannon at a boat carrying provisions to Filipino troops on a remote outpost in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines, through the DFA, has been filing diplomatic protests against the aggressions and hostile actions being done by China. — BAP, GMA Integrated News