8-4-2024 (MANILA) President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. expressed on Monday that the Philippines is exerting maximum efforts to prevent further escalation of tensions with China amidst multiple encounters in the West Philippine Sea.
“We’re trying everything, we still continue to talk. We still continue to talk at a ministerial level, sub-ministerial level, people to people level,” Marcos stated. “We’re doing everything possible to engage with the Chinese leadership… Let’s not further escalate, let’s have a good dialogue to avoid clashes and water cannon confrontations,” he added.
In response to inquiries regarding recent maritime activities with countries like Australia and Japan and their potential impact on the Philippines’ stance, Marcos expressed hopefulness. “I sincerely hope so,” he remarked.
Marcos revealed that the multi-lateral activity in the West Philippine Sea involving the Philippines, Australia, and Japan had long been planned. “The reports I’ve received indicate that it was indeed very useful. Each navy understands how the other operates, first and foremost. Additionally, they know how to collaborate effectively. The operation went smoothly,” Marcos commented.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino emphasized that the recent joint drills signify a robust deterrence against potential bullying. “At present, we should not capitulate, but rather bolster not only our military alliances but also our internal military capabilities,” Tolentino, Chairman of the Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, asserted.
