15-2-2024 (MANILA) The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold its claims in the South China Sea while advocating for peaceful resolution of disputes, affirmed its top diplomat.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo asserted, “We will continue to defend our sovereign rights wherever they apply, especially within our exclusive economic zone,” during a press briefing with foreign correspondents in Manila on Thursday.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration has consistently opposed Beijing’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, publicly denouncing what it perceives as aggressive Chinese actions in disputed waters.
Beijing asserts sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, a crucial maritime route, encompassing areas contested by Manila.
Manalo cautioned against framing tensions in the disputed waters solely as a competition between China and the United States, emphasising that such narratives often undermine the legitimate rights and interests of countries like the Philippines. He criticised the rationalisation of illegal actions under the pretext of geopolitical rivalries.
The South China Sea dispute involves multiple claimants, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, besides the Philippines.
Under Marcos’s leadership, the Philippines has witnessed a significant shift in its foreign policy, strengthening security cooperation with the US. Last year, the government granted the US increased access to military facilities in the Southeast Asian nation. This marked a departure from the approach of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who favoured closer ties with Beijing while distancing himself from Washington.
Manalo reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to pursuing a code of conduct in the South China Sea through dialogue between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China. The code of conduct aims to prevent conflict and promote stability in the region.
Responding to President Marcos’s mention of negotiating a separate code of conduct with Vietnam and Malaysia, Manalo clarified that the intention was to establish cooperation agreements to address maritime incidents peacefully, without undermining negotiations with ASEAN and China.
Additionally, the Philippines plans to engage in “2+2” discussions on defence and foreign policy with the US and Japan, strengthening ties with longstanding allies. While the schedule for talks with the US is pending, discussions with Japan are anticipated later this year, Manalo disclosed.
