After years of saying it would not choose sides, the Philippines is now asserting a need to stand up to China’s territorial moves in the South China Sea.
By Sui-Lee Wee
Reporting from joint military exercises in San Antonio, Philippines
April 26, 2023Updated 8:50 a.m. ET
5 MIN READ
“When China’s foreign minister visited the Philippines last weekend, he had a stern message for President Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines: It was vital that Manila “properly handle issues” related to Taiwan and the South China Sea, and follow through on its earlier commitment not to choose sides, he said.
On Wednesday, Mr. Marcos turned up at the Philippines’ annual military drills with the United States dressed in an army fatigue jacket and closely inspecting an American rocket launcher. Later, he sat next to the American ambassador as they watched artillery units take out a target ship nearby.”