19-12-2023 (MANILA) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines has urged a “paradigm shift” in addressing the South China Sea dispute, expressing dissatisfaction with the current diplomatic efforts with Beijing, which he believes are heading “in a poor direction.”
In an interview with Japanese media on December 16, excerpts of which were shared with the Philippine media on Monday (December 18), Marcos highlighted China’s disregard for traditional diplomatic methods, as stated in a release from the presidential palace.
“We have been resorting to traditional diplomatic methods for many years now, with very little progress,” remarked Marcos, who was in Japan for the commemorative summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He emphasized the need for a change in approach among nations involved in the issue while reiterating the Philippines’ commitment to avoiding violent conflict.
During the interview, Marcos stated that his government would continue engaging in discussions with its partners to formulate a joint position outlining their responsibilities concerning the West Philippines Sea. The term “West Philippines Sea” is used by the Philippines to refer to the part of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing escalated last week as both sides exchanged accusations over a collision involving their vessels near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The region has seen heightened tensions due to overlapping territorial claims by ASEAN members Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, along with China, in areas crucial for over US$3 trillion in annual ship-borne commerce.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis, a decision supported by the United States but rejected by Beijing.
As the situation unfolds, President Marcos remains committed to pursuing alternative approaches to address the South China Sea dispute and is determined to find a resolution through diplomatic means. The Chinese Embassy in Manila has not issued an immediate response to the President’s comments.
