China should expect more decisive action from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a De La Salle International Studies professor.

Professor Renato De Castro believes that the Marcos administration will no longer simply shrug off the issue in the WPS.

De Castro made the statement following the President’s move at the floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc, in which he said that China should expect more decisive actions from Marcos.

Moreover, Marcos’ message to defend the country’s territory is clear, showing a political will in wanting to ensure food security for Filipinos, particularly the fishermen, and independent foreign policy.

De Castro is convinced that China was surprised by the president’s response to the maritime issues in the WPS.

He explained that without consulting with the governments of the United States, Japan, and Australia, Marcos would be able to showcase his independent foreign policy since he already made the decision to confront the China Coast Guard’s maritime expansionism.

The professor further explained that China never expected the Philippines to push back, so China’s government is trying to make sure that they are still dominating the situation.