(Bloomberg) — Philippines Chairman Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his country is looking for ways to ease tensions in the disputed areas, but is unwilling to give in because of the conflict with Beijing over the South China Sea.
“We are constantly trying to find ways to de-escalate tensions in disputed areas with our counterparts without compromising our position and our principles. I know that our neighbors are also doing their utmost to make this work,” Marcos said during his State of the Nation Address on Monday.
“The Philippines cannot give in. The Philippines cannot falter,” he added.
The Philippines and China agreed earlier this month to ease tensions in the South China Sea, after clashes between the countries reached a fever pitch in June when a Filipino sailor lost his thumb in a confrontation.
Both sides agreed to take measures such as a high-level hotline and an “interim arrangement” for Manila’s supply missions to its military outpost in the South China Sea.
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