BUSAN, Nov. 1 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday defended the creation of a new Philippines-United States task force for the South China Sea, saying the initiative is intended to enhance coordination and reduce tensions amid maritime disputes with China.

Speaking to the Philippine media covering his participation in the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit here, Marcos said the task force seeks to improve operational coordination between the two allies and uphold freedom of navigation in the contested waters.

"It's basically organizing ourselves into a more cohesive unit in terms of the protection of the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, the West Philippine Sea (WPS) for us," Marcos said.

He ex...