Marcos Says Philippines May Invoke Defense Pact With U.S. If Troops Killed Amid China Tensions
• Philippines will invoke defense treaty with US if a Filipino soldier dies from a foreign attack, per President Marcos Jr.
• Comments come amid growing tensions between Philippines and China over disputed South China Sea
• US recently renewed defense commitments to Asian allies worried about aggressive China
• Marcos seeking to boost ties with US and Japan; Philippines has "no plan" to grant US access to more bases
• Marcos open to having US companies participate in oil and gas exploration in South China Sea