Manila: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday that the Philippines will persist with its resupply operations in the South China Sea without deploying navy warships, aiming to avoid escalating tensions with China.

"We will not contribute to any escalation in the West Philippine Sea," Marcos affirmed, reiterating the government's commitment to supporting Filipino fishermen. The West Philippine Sea is the term used by the Philippines for its claimed section of the South China Sea.

The statement follows a December 4 incident where Chinese coastguard vessels allegedly fired water cannons and sideswiped a Philippine fisheries bureau vessel delivering supplies near the Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing area. Philippine officials also reported instances of Chinese navy vessels engaging in "blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers."

Marcos emphasized that the country will refrain from deploying naval warships in the region to prevent provocation, underscoring a preference for diplomatic channels. The Philippines has filed a formal protest against China's actions, while Beijing maintains its claim over nearly the entire South China Sea.

China's embassy in Manila has not yet commented on the incident. However, China's coast guard previously stated that Philippine vessels "dangerously approached" what it considers its territorial waters near the Scarborough Shoal.