Philippines President Says Concerns About China Are High

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday told reporters he was "as concerned as you could possibly be," about China's activities in the South China Sea.

Marcos was responding to a reporters question as he entered Vice President Kamala Harris' residence for brunch, along with U.S. second gentlemen Doug Emhoff and Philippines first lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

On Monday, President Joe Biden reiterated U.S. commitment to the Philippines' security and noted the “deep friendship” of the two nations as he hosted Marcos for White House talks.

Marcos' visit to Washington comes after the U.S. and the Philippines last week completed their largest war drills ever and as the two countries' air forces on Monday will hold their first joint fighter jet training in the Philippines since 1990. The Philippines this year agreed to give the U.S. access to four more bases on the islands as the U.S. looks to deter China’s increasingly aggressive actions toward Taiwan and in the disputed South China Sea.

Meanwhile, China has angered the Philippines by repeatedly harassing its navy and coast guard patrols and chasing away fishermen in waters that are close to Philippine shores but that Beijing claims as its own.

Monday's Oval Office meeting is the latest high-level diplomacy with Pacific leaders by Biden as his administration contends with increased military and economic assertiveness by China and worries about North Korea's nuclear program. Marcos’ official visit to Washington is the first by a Philippine president in more than 10 years.

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[bentoomet]

The man answers the question in his 3rd language better than any politician in America can…

[FoxyThePirate]

I respect him for turning around and answering

[gno_ne]

Wow, a president who can speak clearly and coherently

[queeniedelemos]

He Stoped look listen and answered.. kind of respect ❤ proud to be a Filipino ❤

[tangentmaster]

Wow.
He stopped, took time to hear the reporter’s question, then answered it directly and coherently. Imagine that.

[ayushjain]

He seems very calm, composed and intelligent.

[uncoloredredsquare]

Just listening to a coherent sentence makes me wish he was our president

[boyietpruel]

even though he was already out and when someone asked a question, he still answered it properly
my vote was not wasted this year, long live Mr president...

[talabgaar-theseeker]

Is there any leader in US who can give a meaningful, clear answer with confidence, like he did?

[evanhernandez]

I respect this man more for taking the time to actually answer a serious question without hesitation

[Pumpkinz]

they want him to answer something else like "China is bad" or "We should fight China" but he is smart and answered them in a good manner.

[Mirici]

That’s a sensible president who wants peace

[Pryde]

I respect the fact that he referred to cooperation as an act between the two nations and not the individual politicians.

[joshualoveless]

Wow! He didn't lie, deny, deflect, ignore, or blame it on the previous leader. He just answered the question. I didn't know politicians could do that.

[julianacooper]

I bet the interviewer is surprised to see that he actually turned and answered not one but two questions. That's a president who knows what he's doing😅 he's so calm, polite and patiently waited for the second question too.❤

[yvjmzqe]

Random question, still very polite by turning his back to answer their questions ❤PBBM 4-ever

[Gnorthernier]

Respects for the Philippine President for not shying away a last minute question and answering it like a true leader! A salute from 🇲🇽

[romilomorales]

Not a bbm supporter, but that answer was very eloquent. Well done sir.

[karenbrecio]

He is as cool as he can be... and look the way Kamala reacts. And the way he handled that unexpected question was with respect.

[peejaycappy]

Well said, Sir BBM. Short but straight to the point answer, no BS. I salute you Mr. President for defending our nation.