President Bongbong Marcos brought the Philippines’ latest confrontation with China directly to United States President Donald J. Trump, who pledged to raise Manila’s concerns with Chinese President Xi Jinping at their next meeting.
The two leaders spoke by phone about global, economic and security developments, including rising tensions in the South China Sea. Acting Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said the conversation followed Marcos’ meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Malacañang.
“President Trump assured President Marcos that he will take up the concerns of the Philippines in his next meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping,” Gomez said. Malacañang did not specify which concerns Trump would present or when the meeting would take place.
The commitment came three days after a violent confrontation at Ayungin Shoal on July 20. Philippine officials said a China Coast Guard member struck a Philippine Navy sailor on the head with a wooden baton and damaged a Navy rubber boat.
China claimed Philippine boats rammed a Chinese patrol vessel and accused Filipino personnel of attacking its officers with oars and sticks. The Armed Forces of the Philippines rejected Beijing’s account as “false and misleading” and said its personnel did not initiate the confrontation.
Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to Malacañang the following day, while Beijing also called in the Philippine ambassador. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos sought to prevent another violent incident and improve strained relations with China.
“The president wants these incidents not to happen again, and he hopes to reset the relationship between China and the Philippines toward a better engagement,” Castro said. Malacañang has not defined the proposed reset, disclosed any commitments from Beijing or confirmed that China gave an assurance against another confrontation.
Marcos also briefed Rubio on the incident during their meeting on Wednesday. Rubio later described the clash as an escalation and reaffirmed that Washington remained bound by its Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila.
“We intend to live up to our treaty obligations, and I think we’ve done so, and will continue to do so,” Rubio said. He also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila as Washington and Beijing prepared for Xi’s expected visit to the United States in September.
