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Advocates Philippines
PBBM Asserts PH Sovereign Rights In South China Sea During Talks With Vietnam
Photo credit: PCO
In a diplomatic move aimed at raising awareness and addressing escalating tensions in the South China Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. engaged in discussions with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Ching on Tuesday. The Philippine leader underscored his country's unwavering commitment to defending its sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) under international laws, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
During the meeting, President Marcos emphasized the Philippines' dedication to resolving issues through peaceful dialogue and consultations with all claimants, including China. Despite maintaining a clear and consistent stance on the WPS, President Marcos recalled his state visit to China in 2023, where he emphasized the importance of not letting maritime issues define Philippines-China relations. However, he expressed concerns over China's continued illegal activities in the WPS, citing incidents in December involving the Chinese Coast Guard and militia.
President Marcos reiterated his commitment to working with like-minded states to establish a rules-based international order in the Asia-Pacific region. He emphasized support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific as crucial frameworks for regional peace and prosperity. The President also addressed regional and international issues, highlighting the Philippines' independent foreign policy.
In terms of defense cooperation, President Marcos emphasized the Philippines' military alliance with the United States and the pursuit of collaboration to strengthen defensive capabilities and respond to humanitarian crises. He expressed concern over tensions in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the potential impact on northern territories of the Philippines and the safety of Filipinos in Taiwan.
President Marcos also voiced support for the Five-Point Consensus and praised Lao PDR's efforts as the new Chair of ASEAN. He expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalating violence in Lebanon and the Red Sea/Yemen. The President assured that the Philippines is ready to collaborate with other nations to resolve conflicts in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions and international law.
Closing his speech, President Marcos expressed gratitude to Vietnam for supporting the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028. He confirmed a reciprocal arrangement to support Vietnam's UNSC candidacy for the term 2020 to 2021. The President concluded by expressing the Philippines' strong consideration of Vietnam's upcoming candidatures for seats in international organizations.
During the meeting, President Marcos emphasized the Philippines' dedication to resolving issues through peaceful dialogue and consultations with all claimants, including China. Despite maintaining a clear and consistent stance on the WPS, President Marcos recalled his state visit to China in 2023, where he emphasized the importance of not letting maritime issues define Philippines-China relations. However, he expressed concerns over China's continued illegal activities in the WPS, citing incidents in December involving the Chinese Coast Guard and militia.
President Marcos reiterated his commitment to working with like-minded states to establish a rules-based international order in the Asia-Pacific region. He emphasized support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific as crucial frameworks for regional peace and prosperity. The President also addressed regional and international issues, highlighting the Philippines' independent foreign policy.
In terms of defense cooperation, President Marcos emphasized the Philippines' military alliance with the United States and the pursuit of collaboration to strengthen defensive capabilities and respond to humanitarian crises. He expressed concern over tensions in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the potential impact on northern territories of the Philippines and the safety of Filipinos in Taiwan.
President Marcos also voiced support for the Five-Point Consensus and praised Lao PDR's efforts as the new Chair of ASEAN. He expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalating violence in Lebanon and the Red Sea/Yemen. The President assured that the Philippines is ready to collaborate with other nations to resolve conflicts in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions and international law.
Closing his speech, President Marcos expressed gratitude to Vietnam for supporting the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028. He confirmed a reciprocal arrangement to support Vietnam's UNSC candidacy for the term 2020 to 2021. The President concluded by expressing the Philippines' strong consideration of Vietnam's upcoming candidatures for seats in international organizations.
Jan 30, 2024
