Marcos says Philippines resigned to managing South China Sea dispute

His remarks come after a series of clashes in the contested waters and a recent announcement by Manila and Beijing of a provisional arrangement aimed at defusing tensions at the Second Thomas Shoal. Marcos had previously stated in July that the Philippines "cannot yield" and "cannot waver" on its territorial claims, asserting its rights in the West Philippine Sea, the local designation for parts of the South China Sea.

The provisional agreement between the Philippines and China, details of which have not been fully disclosed, is intended to facilitate resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal. China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including the shoal where the Philippines maintains a grounded naval ship. The recent confrontations have raised concerns about a wider conflict that could involve the United States due to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.

While China confirmed the provisional agreement and stated it would allow resupply missions for humanitarian purposes if prior notification and on-site verification are conducted, the Philippines has maintained that its approach to resupply missions has not changed and that the agreement does not compromise national positions.