Marcos on Chinese ships tailing joint exercises in WPS: ‘It’s almost normal’

‘NOT POKING THE BEAR’ That’s how President Marcos, seen here with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in November 2023, describes Manila’s approach to avoiding military conflict with the Asian giant over the West Philippine Sea issue. — MALACAÑANG file photo

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said China’s reaction to the multilateral joint exercises in the West Philippine Sea is almost expected.

The Philippines held historic joint maritime exercises together with the United States, Australia and Japan — the first of its kind.

The exercises were shadowed by at least two Chinese vessels, according to the Department of National Defense.

READ: DND: 2 Chinese ships tailed Sunday’s multilateral patrol in West PH Sea

Asked for a reaction on this incident in an ambush interview in Bacolod city, Marcos said it was “par for the course.”

“That’s the usual reaction from the PLA (People’s Liberation Army). Maglalabas din sila ng kanilang barko. So, it’s almost normal,” said Marcos.

(That’s the usual reaction from the PLA. They will also deploy their own boats. So, it’s almost normal.)

Marcos said the joint maritime exercises with the US, Australia and Japan were going well.

“The cruises that we are doing, something that have been planned for a long time… The interim reports that I am getting is that (they are) very useful,” said Marcos.