The Phillippines has been preparing for the “worst case scenario” in the South China Sea as tensions between Manila and Beijing over the disputed waters soar.
Troops have been “studying all options” on the east coast as a top official was tasked with strengthening maritime security in the West Philippines Sea.
However, Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s Government has separately been advised to keep the focus on diplomacy to resolve the conflict with China.
Manila’s dispute with Beijing comes as China continues to claim sovereignty over most of the South China Sea.
Filipino coast guard crews and journalists witness a dangerous maneuver of the Chinese Coast Guard
GETTY
Such a claim cuts into the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
Addressing recent concerns, Vice-Admiral Alberto Carlos said: “We are ready for what they are going to do.
“The troops stationed at Sierra Madre are prepared for the worst-case scenario.
“We are studying all options. It’s unacceptable if we are going to stop the resupply mission.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
President Xi JinpingPABRP Sierra Madre was grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea as the Philippines claimed it had a right to run resupply missions to troops on the World Two-era vessel.
Manila deliberately grounded the ship on the shoal in 1999.
Concerns about Beijing’s threat in the South China Sea have led Washington to step in.
Philippines' national security adviser Eduardo M Año and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan held a phone call yesterday to discuss "coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions" by Beijing.
A series of clashes between Manila and Beijing also took place last year
GETTY
Ano reportedly "expressed his appreciation for the United States’ continued assurances and reaffirmation of its ironclad commitment" to their alliance.
The latest escalation in tensions came on March 23 after three Filipino sailors were injured after the Chinese coastguard used a water cannon.
A series of clashes between Manila and Beijing also took place last year.
Marcos Jr last week said the Philippines would implement unspecified measures against "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks" by China in the region.
NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said on state TV: “The proportionate, deliberate and reasonable response the president was talking about covered not only the aspect of strengthening military and defence capabilities with other allies ... but it also talks about exhausting diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.”