20-11-2023 (MANILA) In a firm declaration, President Ferdinand Marcos asserted the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to retaining every inch of its territory amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The president’s remarks were made during a forum in Hawaii on Sunday, following his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to address maritime territorial disputes.
President Marcos highlighted the increasing severity of the situation in the South China Sea, expressing concern over China’s military interest in constructing bases on reefs that encroach closer to the Philippine coastline. Undeterred, Marcos affirmed, “The Philippines will not give up a single square inch of our territory to any foreign power.” He emphasized the country’s dedication to preserving sovereignty and integrity while collaborating closely with international partners.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have intensified in recent weeks, marked by incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels, including two collisions. China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea involves deploying boats to patrol the region, constructing artificial islands, and militarizing them to reinforce territorial claims, despite an international tribunal ruling against such claims.
During the meeting with President Xi, both leaders agreed that their disputes in the South China Sea should not define the overall relationship between the Philippines and China. In Hawaii, President Marcos expressed gratitude for the “concrete support” from traditional allies, including the United States, Australia, South Korea, and Japan. These nations have deepened their defense cooperation with the Philippines in response to China’s expanding military presence in the region.
