Manila: In response to recent Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, which has heightened tensions over the disputed waters, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated on Saturday that the Philippines would not invoke a defence agreement with the US.

A Philippine coast guard ship was blocked earlier this month by a Chinese ship using a military-grade laser, temporarily rendering the crew on board blind.

Manila summoned Beijing's representative in response to the incident and publicly accused China of "aggressive activities" and destabilising the region.

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In response to recent Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, which has heightened tensions over the disputed waters, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated on Saturday that the Philippines would not invoke a defence agreement with the US.

A Philippine coast guard ship was blocked earlier this month by a Chinese ship using a military-grade laser, temporarily rendering the crew on board blind.

Manila summoned Beijing's representative in response to the incident and publicly accused China of "aggressive activities" and destabilising the region.

At the Philippine Military Academy alumni homecoming in Baguio City, Marcos told reporters, "If we activated that, what we are doing is escalating, intensifying, the tensions in the area and I think that would be counterproductive."

"I do not believe that this constitutes sufficient (grounds) to invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty, despite the fact that a military-grade laser was pointed at our coast guard.

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The Philippines "will not lose an inch" of its territory, said Marcos, adding that it will continue to coordinate with its treaty partners, including not only the US but also the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Instead of going directly to the Mutual Defense Treaty, which again, he expressed great concern would do, he said, "I think that is the better recourse."

The announcement by Marcos comes amid increasing pressure in Southeast Asia, where both Beijing and Washington are vying for military sway.

The laser incident occurred shortly after the Philippines granted the US increased access to its military facilities, giving American forces a strategic footing as tensions rise over both Taiwan's self-rule and the disputed South China Sea.

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China claims almost the entire strategic and resource-rich South China Sea, and it has been expanding its military presence there while encroaching on Philippine territorial waters the West Philippine Sea