AFP won't be baited into escalating sea row

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not be baited by China into firing the first shot that will trigger open hostilities in the West Philippine Sea, despite increasingly aggressive action by the Chinese coast guard in blocking resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

Navy Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said on Thursday China is trying to push the AFP into responding with force.