20-3-2024 (MANILA) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as “absolutely necessary” for enhancing bilateral relations between the Philippines and the US.
Marcos made this statement following his discussion with Blinken on Tuesday during the latter’s courtesy visit to Malacañang.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, issues addressed by Marcos and Blinken included efforts to bolster the PH-US alliance, enhanced cooperation in trade and investment, promotion of regional peace and security, defense modernization, and economic collaboration.
“We are all aware of the significant global challenges you are dealing with, and it is highly encouraging for the Philippines that despite these pressing issues, you consider our country important enough to allocate time for this meeting,” Marcos expressed to Blinken and his delegation.
“As with many of our meetings with yourself and other officials, our discussions always encompass a wide range of topics. This dialogue is absolutely necessary, and it is crucial that we continue to engage in such discussions,” he added.
Blinken’s visit, part of his Asia tour, occurred amidst escalating tensions between the Philippines and China, particularly regarding their longstanding maritime dispute over the latter’s “nine-dash line” claim, asserting sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Philippines contested China’s claim through the International Permanent Court of Arbitration (IPCA) in The Hague in 2013, securing a favourable ruling in 2016. However, China has consistently rejected the ruling, disregarding protests and demands from the Philippine government for Chinese vessels to vacate the WPS.
Tensions in the West Philippine Sea heightened further following recent incidents involving China Coast Guard vessels shadowing and using water cannons against Philippine vessels.
