Philippine President Marcos Jr. Orders De-escalation in South China Sea

MANILA - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the country's military to defuse rising tensions with China in the South China Sea.

Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner said on Thursday the instructions to defuse tensions were in line with recent consultations between Manila and Beijing officials.

The military has given the president several options for its operations in the South China Sea, including routine resupply missions for troops on a disputed shoal that has raised tensions with Beijing, General Brawner told reporters, Reuters reported on July 4.

The Philippines and China, long rivals in the strategic waterway, agreed on Tuesday on the need to "restore trust" and "rebuild confidence" after high-level meetings.

The Philippine armed forces will also coordinate with a senator who said he knew about Chinese plans to target his country with hypersonic missiles, General Brawner said.

As previously reported, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it would firmly defend and protect its interests and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, referring to its exclusive economic zone, after the Philippines and China agreed to ease tensions without changing their respective positions.

"Both sides agreed to continue discussions to find a mutually acceptable solution to the issue," the DFA said.

The Philippines and China also agreed to explore possible cooperation between their coast guards and a platform where scientists can collaborate.