A senior security official affirmed that the Philippines remains steadfast in its stance against China in the South China Sea dispute. Tensions have escalated as Manila and Beijing accuse each other’s ships of engaging in risky maneuvers near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

“We will continue to stand our ground and push back against coercion, interference, malign influence and other tactics that seek to jeopardise our security and stability,” Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said on Friday at an event celebrating the anniversary of an international ruling on the dispute that sided against China.

Ano said Manila rejects any use of force that seeks “to coerce and subordinate the national interests of the Philippines” but is “committed to the cause of peace”.

“We are committed to address and manage difficult issues through dialogue and through diplomacy,” Ano said.

China asserts claims to over 90 percent of the South China Sea, encompassing waters within the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines and four other Southeast Asian nations.

An international tribunal in The Hague ruled in 2016 that China’s claims lacked legal foundation, a decision Beijing has dismissed as “illegal, null and void.”

Incidents between Chinese and Philippine coastguards and navies in the contested waters have been frequent, including a recent confrontation where Chinese coastguard personnel armed with knives, sticks, and an axe surrounded and boarded three Philippine Navy boats during a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

In response to China’s growing influence in the region, the Philippines has bolstered military cooperation with the United States and its allies. Manila recently signed a defense pact enabling Japan to deploy troops on its territory.

The Philippines intends to strengthen ties with countries sharing similar perspectives and remains open to constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and sincerity, Ano emphasized.