MANILA (Reuters) -Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Saturday the country will "vigorously defend what is ours", in a thinly veiled reference to mounting tensions with China over maritime disputes.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his speech to graduating military cadets, said the nation will firmly defend its territory amidst rising

The Philippines will purchase five patrol vessels from Japan amid growing tensions in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has sent three coast guard vessels to ensure the safety of a civilian flotilla sailing to a shoal in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have been embroiled in heated stand-offs over competing claims.

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A Chinese defence spokesperson has warned the Philippine side not to take any rash action, and urged it to halt all acts of infringement and provocation.

The project will see the construction of military barracks and other infrastructure aimed at countering China's activities in the disputed waters Analysts say the projects will bolster Philippines' access to resources and logistical support,