President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. indicated a troubling shift in the West Philippine Sea's dynamics following a recent incident involving China's obstruction of a medical evacuation at Ayungin Shoal.
During an interview in Singapore, Marcos expressed concern that this interference could signal a 'new phase' of escalation regarding Chinese actions in the region.
Significant Incident Raises Sovereignty Questions
It seems to indicate … a new phase in escalation in the actions that are being undertaken in the West Philippine Sea.
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines
The medical evacuation, which took place on October 8, was delayed for nearly ten hours due to the presence of China Coast Guard vessels blocking the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) response team.
Despite these challenges, the evacuation was eventually successful, with the ill sailor transported to Puerto Princesa City for medical treatment.
Marcos emphasized that Philippine vessels do not require permission from China to operate in waters that the Philippines claims as sovereign, stating, 'There is no such requirement! These are our waters!'