US President Donald Trump has assured President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that he will bring up the Philippines’ concerns over the West Philippine Sea when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The assurance came during a phone call between Trump and Marcos Jr. on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed the global economy and security issues.
According to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez, the call followed Marcos’ meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Malacañang a day earlier.
“The President updated Sec. Rubio on the recent incidents in the South China Sea,” Gomez said.
He added that Trump told Marcos Jr. he would personally raise the Philippines’ concerns in his next meeting with Xi.
The latest tension happened earlier this week in Ayungin Shoal, where a China Coast Guard personnel allegedly struck a Philippine Navy serviceman on the head with a wooden baton during a confrontation.
Malacañang said Marcos condemned the incident and continues to hope for a “reset” in the Philippines’ ties with China to prevent similar confrontations in the West Philippine Sea.IMT
