Philippines won't back down in sea dispute, despite deal with China, says Marcos

MANILA (dpa): The Philippines will not back down from asserting its rights in the disputed South China Sea, despite reaching a deal with Beijing to avoid confrontations in the area, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said Monday.

"The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver,” Marcos said to thunderous applause and a standing ovation during his annual state of the nation address before Congress.