Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a stern warning to China not to cross a "red line" in the South China Sea, stating that the Philippines would treat any Filipino casualties due to China's deliberate actions as close to an "act of war" and respond accordingly. This declaration came during a security forum in Singapore attended by international defense chiefs, including representatives from the US and China.

A Chinese military spokesman accused the Philippines of shifting blame onto China and engaging in smear tactics.

Recent months have seen heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, leading to aggressive encounters. Manila has protested against Chinese patrol ships using water cannons on Philippine boats and supply vessels, while Beijing claims it is upholding its sovereignty and accused the Philippines of provocations.

Observers are concerned that an escalation could lead to a conflict involving the US, which is bound by a treaty to defend the Philippines if attacked. The US has affirmed its commitments to regional allies and recently held a summit with the Philippines and Japan.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue, President Marcos responded to a hypothetical scenario about Chinese water cannons killing a Filipino soldier, indicating that such an event would nearly constitute an act of war, prompting a significant response and invoking the US-Philippines treaty.

While injuries have occurred, no fatalities have been reported yet. Marcos emphasized that any Filipino death would cross a critical threshold.

Following Marcos' remarks, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin condemned the harassment faced by the Philippines as dangerous. He refrained from speculating on specific US responses but reaffirmed the "ironclad" nature of their treaty with the Philippines and emphasized the importance of dialogue and freedom of navigation to prevent unnecessary escalation.

Addressing Asian delegates, Austin highlighted the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and listed various measures to bolster regional defenses, including military exercises, agreements, and troop presence. He noted the US’s ongoing efforts to support the Philippines' military capabilities, including potential military aid and advanced equipment.

Tensions over the Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines has a military outpost, were a focal point in a meeting between Austin and his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun. China accused the Philippines of being emboldened by external powers and breaking promises, while objecting to the US deploying missile systems in the Philippines during joint exercises.

Both the US and China have shown interest in improving communications to avoid conflict. The US is working to resume crucial military communications with China, disrupted since Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022. Austin expressed a commitment to answering urgent calls from his Chinese counterpart to maintain stability and security in the region. A Chinese military spokesman described their recent meeting as positive and constructive, noting that US-China relations are stabilizing from further deterioration.