Philippines' Marcos Justifies Removal of Chinese Barrier in the South China Sea

The Philippines has reaffirmed its stance on removing China's barriers in the South China Sea and has vowed to continue defending its territory. This move has escalated an ongoing dispute over the Scarborough Shoal. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has insisted that China cannot establish barriers in an area that clearly belongs to the Philippines. He emphasized that the country is not seeking trouble but will protect its maritime territory and the rights of its fishermen. The Scarborough Shoal is a disputed area claimed by both the Philippines and China, and encounters between Chinese coast guard and Filipino fishing vessels have been a constant source of tension. China has claimed that the buoys were placed after a Philippine vessel entered the shoal illegally, but the Philippines denies this, stating that its Coast Guard members removed the buoys in a special operation. Filipino fishermen have been able to catch a significant amount of fish since the removal of the barriers. The Philippines' action has garnered praise from Washington, with the US expressing support for the country's move to defend its sovereignty.