President Bongbong Marcos has declared that the country will push back against China if its powerful neighbor ignores Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the South China Sea.
Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Australia, Marcos emphasized the commitment to peace and dialogue, despite facing “serious difficulties.”
He reiterated that the Philippines would never surrender “even a square inch” of its territory and maritime jurisdiction to China or any foreign aggressor.
Marcos acknowledged the centuries of friendship and kinship between the Filipino and Chinese people but emphasized the need to push back when principles of sovereignty and jurisdiction are questioned or ignored.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo also delivered a message to Beijing, stating that the Philippines remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the maritime conflict but urges China to “stop harassing us”.
The Philippines maintains a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy but asserts its principles firmly in the face of challenges to its sovereignty.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 5, 2024
