Even as China says it’s committed to dialogue on WPS
BERLIN— Amid Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea, President Marcos assured Filipinos in Germany his administration would not waver in defending the country’s sovereign rights and territory.
“We adhere to the rules-based order and seek the cooperation of all nations to abide by the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS,” Mr. Marcos said in his address to members of the Filipino community.
“Some other country is claiming that our territory is actually theirs.
But rest assured, we will not allow it because it is very clear that this [West Philippine Sea] is part of the Philippines,” he added.
In Beijing, China said it remains committed to a dialogue with the Philippines to resolve disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
“We stand ready to continue to work with the Philippines to properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation,” said Wang Wenbin, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Wang’s statement came as the Department of Foreign Affairs said China’s proposals to resolve the issue were “contrary to our national interests” as it forces the Philippines to recognize Beijing’s control of Ayungin Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.
“We will take resolute measures to firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Wang added.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, for his part, said Germany’s affirmation of support for the Philippines in protecting its rights in the West Philippine Sea under international law validate the importance of the diplomatic initiatives of President Marcos.
“In the face of increasing aggressiveness by China, enlisting the support of like-minded allies, such as Germany, is of immense value to our national interest in the West Philippine Sea as it adds more weight to our position that international law, not unilateral actions, should govern the conduct in the area,” said Romualdez.
“We must note that Germany’s support is not singular as it joins other countries that recognize UNCLOS as the binding norm in the West Philippine Sea. As such, this diplomatic victory President Marcosclinched during his three-day working visit to Germany is invaluable to our nation and our people,” he added.
The Philippines and Germany just signed a Joint Declaration of Intentto boost the maritime capability of two nations’ transport agencies.
President Marcos thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for Berlin’s commitment to supporting defense cooperation, which includes support in personnel training of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, discussion on cyber and maritime domains, and bolstering of the Philippine Coast Guard’s maritime capacity.
Germany previously pledged to donate additional drones to enhance the maritime surveillance capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.
Financed by a 129-million-euro (P7.9 billion) aid package from Berlin, the drones will function as reconnaissance assets for the PCG.
“On defense cooperation, Germany has been providing training for the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines since 1974, making Germany the second oldest formal defense partner of the Philippines,” Mr. Marcos said.
“I expressed the Philippine government’s openness to discussions oncooperation that goes beyond training and into new areas such as cyber and maritime domains,” he added.
In Manila, Army chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido said simulation of a foreign invasion is now part of exercises conducted by the military.
Galido said the Army’s Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX) “Katihan” involves large-scale formations that will move from Visayas and Mindanao going to Luzon.
“It is like we are simulating the possible security situation that someone will occupy our country. This will entail moving units from Visayas and Mindanao to Luzon. We are doing this so that we can train our units for their new duty to defend our land,” he said. With Rey Requejo and Maricel Cruz