- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed the need to protect his territory in the South China Sea from what he calls Chinese aggression and illegal activities.
- Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Melbourne, Marcos argued that China’s actions violate the sovereignty and rights of the Philippines.
- China’s claims in the South China Sea contradict those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday he has no choice but to defend his country’s territory in the South China Sea against Chinese aggression and what he called Beijing’s illegal actions in pursuit of its own territorial claims.
Marcos told the Lowy Institute, an international policy think tank in Melbourne, Australia, “Despite the clear provisions of international law, these provocative, unilateral, and illegal acts violate the sovereignty and sovereignty of our country.” It is unfortunate that jurisdiction continues to be violated.”
China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, one of the world’s most important waterways for shipping. This has led to conflicts with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei, which all have territorial claims over the region’s islands, reefs, and seabed resources.
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Marcos, who is attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Melbourne, said confronting China in the South China Sea is not a policy choice.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks at the Lowy Institute during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia on March 4, 2024. Marcos Jr. said on Monday that he had no choice but to defend his territory in the South China Sea against what he called Chinese aggression and illegal actions by Beijing in pursuit of its own territorial claims. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)
“We have no choice. We must protect the territory of the republic. That is the fundamental duty of a leader,” Marcos said. “The territorial integrity of the Philippines cannot be threatened, and if a threat is made, we must protect it from that threat.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the Philippines of taking provocative actions in the South China Sea, undermining China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
“China has taken necessary measures in accordance with the law to protect its sovereignty and interests,” he said. “There is no so-called Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels.”
Earlier on Monday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo called for stronger solidarity to uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea, where China is building garrisons on several artificial islands to strengthen its claims. We requested neighboring countries to do the same.
The Philippines has accused China of sending coast guard vessels and civilian vessels to disrupt fishermen’s access to coral reefs and coral reefs and prevent military resupply.
Both Mr. Marcos and Mr. Manalo cited the Philippines’ legal victory against China in a 2016 arbitration award in The Hague that invalidated its vast territorial claims in the South China Sea. China did not accept this ruling.
“With an obligation to collectively manage the region’s oceans, we stand together to uphold the supremacy of international law to ensure fair and sustainable outcomes for all,” Manalo said. There is an obligation,” he said. “We are also called to unite in firmly opposing acts that are inconsistent with or inconsistent with international law.”
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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Manalo’s comments, saying the nine ASEAN member states represented at the Melbourne summit should “nurture and uphold agreed rules, abide by international law, prevent conflict and promote strategic There is a need to “build trust among people.”
“We know that large-scale conflicts in our region have devastating effects on our communities and economies, as the horrific conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have shown. ” she added.
The Prime Minister announced that Australia would spend $26 million to strengthen maritime partnerships in the region for both security and prosperity.
Australia and the Philippines conducted their first joint sea and air patrol in the South China Sea in November.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Manalo in December that China would maintain military pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea.
