Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared on Sunday that his country would not yield to any foreign power after Chinese forces injured Filipino navy personnel and damaged military boats in the South China Sea.

However, he emphasized that the Philippines would never instigate a war.

Marcos visited Palawan to meet and award medals to navy personnel attacked by the Chinese coast guard while delivering supplies to an outpost on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

Videos showed Chinese coast guard personnel assaulting a Philippine navy boat with wooden bars and seizing items.

The Chinese government claimed action was necessary after Filipino forces entered what China considers its territory, the Associated Press has reported.

This violent clash drew international condemnation and concerns from the U.S., EU, Japan, Australia, and others.

Both China and the Philippines blamed each other for the incident. Marcos stated his administration does not plan to invoke the mutual defense treaty with the U.S., emphasizing a preference for peaceful resolution.

Marcos praised about 80 officers involved in the mission, highlighting their restraint despite intense provocation.

He reiterated that the Philippines has never yielded to foreign power and urged continued defense of the nation with integrity and respect.

The territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, posing a potential flashpoint for conflict involving the U.S. and China.

Written by B.C. Begley