President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Downplays Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Order
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines recently responded to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s order for the armed forces to prepare for potential sea conflicts. Speaking to the Philippine media delegation in Berlin, President Marcos downplayed the significance of Xi’s statement, stating that it was not new and that it has been China’s long-standing policy.
President Marcos emphasized that China has been asserting its claims over the South China Sea for years, including the establishment of the controversial “10-dash line.” He noted that China continues to defend this maritime territory, which it considers its own. In response, the Philippines will continue to defend its own maritime territory, which has been recognized by the international community.
While President Xi did not explicitly state this policy until recently, President Marcos pointed out that it has been evident for the past two or three years. He expressed that he was not surprised by Xi’s statement but acknowledged the need for the Philippines to remain vigilant in defending its territory against potential Chinese annexation attempts.
China’s Claims and the International Response
China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, asserting its control over the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. However, in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims had no legal basis and rejected its historic rights within the “nine-dash line.”
President Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ stance on China’s proposals to resolve issues in the South China Sea. While the Philippines has not rejected these proposals, it questions the premise put forth by China, particularly its reliance on the 10-dash line map to assert control over the disputed waters. President Marcos emphasized that this premise is not recognized by any country or international body, including the Philippines.
He further emphasized that the Philippines’ baselines are already well-established, and China’s intrusion into the Philippines’ economic zone is a clear violation. President Marcos stressed the importance of upholding the first article of the Philippine constitution, which defines the territorial area, maritime, and land-based territory of the country. Defending the Philippines’ territorial integrity is not just a duty but a necessity.
The Way Forward
President Marcos acknowledged the challenges in finding a way forward in the discussions with China. He reiterated that until China acknowledges the Philippines’ established baselines and abandons the premise of the 10-dash line, progress will be difficult to achieve.
The Philippines remains open to resolving issues through diplomatic means and is willing to engage in dialogue with China. However, it is crucial for both parties to recognize and respect international law and the rights of other nations in the region.
President Marcos concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending the Philippines’ maritime territory. He emphasized that the country has no choice but to protect its sovereignty and will continue to do so in the face of any potential threats or encroachments.
In summary, President Marcos downplayed China’s recent order to the armed forces, stating that it is not new and aligns with China’s long-standing policy. He emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to defending its maritime territory and questioned the premise of China’s claims in the South China Sea. President Marcos called for a way forward that respects international law and upholds the Philippines’ territorial integrity.
Source: The Manila Times
