ISTANBUL

The Philippines is committed to de-escalating tensions in contested waters, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday.

In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos addressed the maritime dispute with China over the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, along with other domestic issues.

"We continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts, without compromising our position and principles," read a statement from the Presidential Communications Office. "The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver," he added.

The maritime neighbors, China and the Philippines, have conflicting claims over the Second Thomas Shoal – also known as Ayungin Shoal, Bai Co May, and Ren'ai Jiao – which is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​