Lamenting the current state of diplomatic efforts with China regarding the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for a “paradigm shift” to address the conflict. According to the President, the traditional methods of diplomacy have yielded little progress, and it is high time for the government to explore new approaches.
President Marcos acknowledged that the Philippines has been resorting to diplomatic measures such as sending note verbales and démarches to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, these actions have not effectively resolved the ongoing aggression and harassment by China in the contested waters. The President stated, “We have to do something we have not done before. We have to come up with a new concept, a new principle, a new idea so that we move the needle the other way.”
When asked about the specifics of this paradigm shift, President Marcos mentioned that there are various ideas being discussed. The government plans to consult with its partners and develop a joint position that outlines their responsibilities concerning the West Philippine Sea. The President emphasized the importance of bringing these ideas together to change the current direction of incidents and find a more peaceful road to pursue.
While the Philippines has taken legal steps, including filing diplomatic protests and summoning the Chinese Ambassador, President Marcos highlighted that the situation in the West Philippine Sea will not improve if the country continues to approach China in the same manner. To de-escalate tensions, the government intends to engage in more talks with allied countries in the Indo-Pacific region and potentially with the rest of the world.
President Marcos expressed concern about the possibility of incidents escalating into violent conflicts due to misunderstandings or mistakes. He stressed the need for a paradigm shift and the involvement of countries that feel connected to the situation. The President believes that swift action is necessary, as the livelihood of Filipino fishermen is already being affected by the ongoing dispute.
President Marcos made these remarks during his visit to Japan to attend the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Relations. The event provided a platform for regional leaders to discuss important issues, including the West Philippine Sea dispute.
The West Philippine Sea dispute has been a long-standing issue, with China’s continued aggression and harassment causing tensions in the region. The Philippines, along with other claimant countries, has been seeking a peaceful resolution based on international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
UNCLOS serves as the legal framework for resolving maritime disputes and promotes the peaceful settlement of conflicts. The Philippines has consistently advocated for the rule of law and the respect of international norms in addressing the West Philippine Sea issue.
As the Philippines explores new approaches and seeks support from its allies, it remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the West Philippine Sea dispute. The paradigm shift called for by President Marcos reflects the country’s determination to protect its sovereignty and ensure the well-being of its people.
The West Philippine Sea holds significant economic and strategic importance, making it crucial for all parties involved to find common ground and work towards a peaceful and cooperative future in the region.
Source: The Manila Times
