China tensions pushing Phl to ready defenses

The Philippines does not want war, but it is preparing to defend itself, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

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Speaking to Indian media during his state visit, Marcos said he wanted to avoid a war with China over the West Philippine Sea, but rising tensions are forcing Manila’s hand.

He added that the country is currently in the midst of modernizing its military.

“Let me be clear though: we are not girding up for war. We are simply reacting to the challenges that we are facing, those tensions have increased in the past years and so this is just the reaction to that. We have to do it, this is our duty, to defend the country,” Marcos said in an interview with Firstpost.