Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo stated on Monday that the “repeated infringements” on the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction within the West Philippine Sea (WPS) would name for the enhancement of the nation’s protection capabilities.
Speaking through the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) discussion board held in Washington, D.C., Manalo cited President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s intention to proceed upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights within the long-disputed WPS via “peaceful and legal means.”
“[T]he Philippines has been clear and consistent about our interests in maintaining the South China Sea as a sea of peace and stability, and our aim to boost our defense capabilities, including in the framework of EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement),” Manalo stated.
“Nevertheless, repeated infringements on our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction; and other destabilizing actions that go against international law, the 1982 UNCLOS, and the spirit and letter of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea also necessitates the enhancement of our defense capabilities,” he continued.
The DFA chief additionally defined that safeguarding the Philippines’ rights in its personal unique financial zone, and exercising these rights with out harassment or denial of entry “is as much about protecting our fisherfolk’s livelihood and ensuring their access to fishing grounds as it is about preserving our marine resources for future generations.”
In February, DFA accused China of destabilizing peace and safety within the WPS after its coast guard used a laser pointer in opposition to a Philippine authorities ship conducting a resupply mission within the Ayungin shoal.
Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, whereas DFA filed a diplomatic protest in opposition to China attributable to this incident.
Manalo stated that such actions have been inflicting considerations to the Philippines, which is why they needed to speak with China to see how they might be resolved, stopped, or minimized and from there “build on a way to ensure that we can manage our differences.”
“And at the same time, though, we’re also looking at our internal needs to expand our security… whether it be with the United States or even other partners in the region. So we are doing this simultaneously, improving our ability to defend ourselves and at the same time talking with China and urging them to observe the UNCLOS and other aspects of the rule of law,” he added.
Last week, Malacañang introduced the 4 extra Philippine navy services that US forces will probably be given entry to below EDCA. They are Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.
China beforehand raised considerations concerning the new EDCA websites, saying they may draw the Philippines right into a “potential conflict” within the Taiwan Strait.
There are already 5 current EDCA places. These are the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
