Philippine leader warns of countermeasures in response to Chinese aggression at sea

By JIM GOMEZ
Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine president says his government will enforce a “countermeasure package” in response to “aggressive and dangerous attacks” by the Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships in the disputed South China Sea. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not provide details of the actions his government will take but said these will be proportionate to what he called the “illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous attacks by agents of the China coast guard and Chinese maritime militia.” His warning is the latest sign of the escalating disputes between China and the Philippines in the contested waters, where there have been minor collisions between the coast guard and other vessels of the rival claimant nations.