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FMJ, Blinken to discuss peace, stability in SCS
By Nidz Godino
“Because this… safe navigation and passage in South China Sea is important to international trade, as close to 60 percent of international trade goes to that channel and we hope to continue these discussions,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, referring to his meeting with US official maintaining peace and stability in disputed South China Sea (SCS) to ensure unhampered global trade will be one of the key issues expected to be raised during his meeting and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Manila tomorrow.
Blinken is scheduled to arrive in Manila today, his second visit to the country since August 2022.
At joint press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague FMJ said, “all of these discussions are, really, as far as Philippines is concerned, maintenance of peace in South China Sea.”
He said SCS issue is not only vital for countries surround Indo-Pacific region, such as member-states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but also for international trade.
FMJ stressed Philippines’ move to strengthen defense ties with its allies, including US and Japan, not aimed at “winning” any conflict, but to maintain peace and to “continue to defend sovereignty and sovereign rights of Philippines.”
Blinken’s visit comes amid escalating tensions between Philippines and China over West Philippine Sea.
Recently, China Coast Guard and maritime militia launched aggressive actions against routine resupply mission for Filipino troops in Ayungin Shoal injured four Filipino crew members.
US denounced repeated dangerous actions by China in SCS.
In statement on March 14, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said “broadening and deepening of cooperation in economic sphere” will be high on agenda during Marcos’ and Blinken’s meeting.
“Discussions will highlight efforts to promote trade and investments and common resolve to sustain economic resiliency as an essential component of national security… two secretaries are also anticipated to discuss overall bilateral cooperation in context of regional issues,” DFA said, referring to Blinken and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Matthew Miller, US State Department spokesperson, said at recent briefing that Blinken’s visit to Manila seeks “to advance shared economic priorities and underscore United States’ ironclad commitment to US-Philippine alliance.”
He said Blinken would discuss with Marcos and Manalo areas to deepen US-Philippine cooperation “on range of bilateral and global issues, including on regional peace and stability, human rights and democracy, economic prosperity, health, clean energy, semiconductors, and the digital economy.”
Blinken’s visit to Manila will take place only few days after visit of US Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines led by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
“Secretary’s visit will also underscore importance of our strong bilateral ties, for 75 years, have been critical to advancing our shared vision for free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region,” Miller stated.
Meanwhile, DFA slammed Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement on historic rights and sweeping claims of China on the SCS, calling it “baseless” and “misleading.”
In statement, DFA said “ Philippines maintains firm stand against misguided claims and irresponsible actions violate Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its own maritime domain.”
“Philippines has never used South China Sea issue to heighten tensions, mislead international community, or undermine peace and stability in the region,” DFA concluded.
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