Manila: United States President Donald Trump on Thursday assured President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that he would raise the Philippines' concerns over the latest developments in the South China Sea (SCS) in his next meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Philippines News Agency, Trump made the commitment during a phone call with Marcos, announced by Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez. Gomez stated, "President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. just had a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump and they discussed the current global, economic, and security situation." He further added, "President Trump assured President Marcos that he will take up the concerns of the Philippines in his next meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping."

The phone call followed Marcos' meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Malaca±an Palace in Manila on Wednesday. Apart from the Philippines' deepening ties with the US, Marcos also discussed with Rubio the escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing in the SCS.

This conversation comes after Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Tuesday to address the violent confrontation between the Philippines and China at Ayungin Shoal. The confrontation on July 20 escalated when a China Coast Guard member used a wooden baton to strike a Philippine Navy sailor, resulting in a serious head injury.

In a press conference earlier Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro mentioned that Marcos relayed to Jing his intent to "reset" the Philippines' relations with China. Marcos is also seeking an end to violent confrontations in the disputed waters.