Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says his country will continue resupply missions in the South China Sea without deploying navy ships. This is despite a recent incident in the area with Chinese vessels that has raised tensions.

Marcos said on Tuesday that the Philippines will continue to perform their mission. He also said that his nation will never be part of an escalation in the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

Manila uses the term West Philippine Sea for waters in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone.

Marcos also said the Philippines always tries to reduce tensions with China over territorial disputes in the area.

The latest clash happened last week.

Philippine officials said the Chinese Coast Guard fired water cannons and sideswiped a Philippine ship near Scarborough Shoal. The ship was transporting supplies to fishermen in the area.

China said one of the Philippine ships ignored repeated warnings and deliberately rammed into its vessel.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal. But Manila says the reef is within its exclusive economic zone and a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos.