NEW DELHI: Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, has taken a definitive stance against Beijing’s maritime assertiveness. Manila’s territorial dispute with Beijing has intensified following recent confrontations, including an incident on March 23 where Chinese coastguard and maritime militia vessels obstructed Philippine Coast Guard ships with water cannons, injuring three sailors.
As per a South China Morning Post report, in a bold declaration, a Philippine envoy emphasized, “What President Marcos is doing is simply saying, ‘enough is enough’.We are going to talk to you seriously. We are not here because we want to have a conflict. We are not here because we are looking for a fight. We are the ones that are being aggressively bullied,” highlighting Manila’s resolve to counter Beijing’s aggression without seeking conflict.
This statement comes as geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill of De La Salle University reflects on the Marcos administration’s challenging position of seeking friendship with China amidst contradicting actions from Beijing. The envoy’s remarks were made as the Philippine government seeks ways to de-escalate maritime tensions, with ongoing dialogues with the Chinese government. Yet, there’s a warning that the United States stands ready to support the Philippines if the situation deteriorates further.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has remained silent on these developments. Filipino military historian Jose Antonio Custodio views President Marcos Jr’s resistance to China as both a domestic political strategy and a broader defense against Beijing’s influence, including potential local proxies, the SCMP report said.
The controversy surrounding a “gentleman’s agreement” between former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping to maintain the status quo in the disputed waters has also resurfaced. President Marcos Jr expressed his shock over the secret deal, underscoring the government’s commitment to sovereignty and security rights based on international law. Manila plans to summon the Chinese Ambassador for clarifications upon the President’s return from his US visit.
The Philippines’ firm stance in the South China Sea dispute emphasizes its sovereignty and security interests, even as it navigates complex diplomatic waters with China.
As per a South China Morning Post report, in a bold declaration, a Philippine envoy emphasized, “What President Marcos is doing is simply saying, ‘enough is enough’.We are going to talk to you seriously. We are not here because we want to have a conflict. We are not here because we are looking for a fight. We are the ones that are being aggressively bullied,” highlighting Manila’s resolve to counter Beijing’s aggression without seeking conflict.
This statement comes as geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill of De La Salle University reflects on the Marcos administration’s challenging position of seeking friendship with China amidst contradicting actions from Beijing. The envoy’s remarks were made as the Philippine government seeks ways to de-escalate maritime tensions, with ongoing dialogues with the Chinese government. Yet, there’s a warning that the United States stands ready to support the Philippines if the situation deteriorates further.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has remained silent on these developments. Filipino military historian Jose Antonio Custodio views President Marcos Jr’s resistance to China as both a domestic political strategy and a broader defense against Beijing’s influence, including potential local proxies, the SCMP report said.
The controversy surrounding a “gentleman’s agreement” between former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping to maintain the status quo in the disputed waters has also resurfaced. President Marcos Jr expressed his shock over the secret deal, underscoring the government’s commitment to sovereignty and security rights based on international law. Manila plans to summon the Chinese Ambassador for clarifications upon the President’s return from his US visit.
The Philippines’ firm stance in the South China Sea dispute emphasizes its sovereignty and security interests, even as it navigates complex diplomatic waters with China.
