President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities, particularly those of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), amidst escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday, March 4, President Marcos emphasized the country’s stance on territorial integrity and maritime jurisdiction, stating that not even a square inch of Philippine territory will be relinquished to any foreign entity.
President Marcos underscored the strategic importance of upgrading the capabilities of the PCG and pursuing the modernization of the AFP to effectively protect Filipino interests and ensure unimpeded access to natural resources within the country’s sovereign territory, including its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
He stressed the recent approval of the updated acquisition plan, Re-Horizon 3, as a significant milestone towards enhancing the country’s defense capabilities in alignment with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
Furthermore, the president affirmed the Philippines’ steadfast commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and preserving maritime security in the region. He emphasized the country’s vital role as a frontline defender of these principles and highlighted the proactive measures being undertaken by Philippine agencies, forces, and institutions to strengthen their capabilities in this regard.
Meanwhile, in addressing the complexities of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, President Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to pursuing peaceful and diplomatic solutions. He announced the continuation of engagement with China through bilateral channels and ASEAN-led mechanisms, reiterating the importance of constructive dialogue and cooperation in managing regional tensions.
He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ adherence to the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and expressed the country’s unwavering commitment to working towards the formulation of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) based on the principles of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
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