Philippines firm on its maritime stance

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr yesterday said the Chinese navy’s presence in the South China Sea is “worrisome” but will not deter his country from defending its maritime territory and protecting its fishermen.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spotted the presence of Chinese navy vessels during a patrol mission by a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) at the hotly contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea last week.

The BFAR vessel, which the PCG said was shadowed and blocked by Chinese coast guard ships, also distributed fuel to Filipino fishermen.

“We continue to support all our fishermen, our fisherfolk who make a living from these fishing grounds and we will continue to help them despite ... blocking attempts, shadowing,” Marcos said before leaving for a state visit to Australia.

In a recent speech, the Philippines ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez, said Manila will not let up in asserting its maritime claims as tensions in the South China Sea continue to simmer.

The “aggression” we are facing is very real, Romuladez said, adding the Philippines hopes China will see the value of continuing economic activity between them while trying to peacefully resolve their issues.

In an interview, Romualdez said security engagements have stepped up considerably under US President Joe Biden and Marco.

The Philippines has nearly doubled the number of its bases accessible to US forces. A 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty binds them to defend each other in the event of attack and Marcos last year succeeded in pushing Washington to make clear the extent of its commitment.

Romualdez on Tuesday said it was possible there could be one major “accident” in the South China Sea that could lead to that treaty being invoked, but hoped that would never happen. – Reuters