On Friday, May 31, at the top Asian security forum, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a speech asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty over the disputed South China Sea according to international law. He strongly criticized the Chinese government, with the Chinese delegation present in the audience.
According to Bloomberg, due to the stalemate between the Philippines and China on the issue of disputed islands and reefs, Marcos Jr. called for decisive action to stop China’s use of force, intimidation, excessive propaganda, and baseless territorial claims during the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore on Friday evening.
Citing the support from the United Nations tribunal for the Philippines’ claims on nearby islands and reefs, Marcos Jr. stated, “Our boundaries in our waters are not based on imagination but come from international law. I will not back down. The Filipino people will not submit.”
China has rejected the Philippines’ claims and the ruling of the United Nations tribunal. It remains unclear whether the Chinese Defense Minister, Wei Fenghe, was seated in the audience while Marcos Jr. was speaking. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin attended the meeting and was seated between Marcos Jr. and Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto.
Although Marcos Jr. did not directly name China during his speech, it was undoubtedly directed towards China. Since taking office two years ago, he has adopted a more assertive approach in defending national sovereignty, leading to clashes between Philippine vessels and Chinese ships in locations like the Second Thomas Shoal.
The Philippines and the United States have had a decades-long security alliance. Marcos Jr. has opened up new military facilities to the US and expanded joint military exercises, as well as improved relations with US allies such as Japan and Australia, surprising some allied nations.
This shift towards pro-American policies by Marcos Jr. contrasts with his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who had distanced the Philippines from the US in favor of seeking more support from China. The pro-American stance of Marcos Jr. has been welcomed by the Biden administration. The Philippines’ strategic location near potential flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea is of significant importance.
Under Marcos Jr.’s leadership, the Philippines openly protests against China’s frequent provocations in the resource-rich waters of the South China Sea. China has consistently maintained that its actions are reasonable and professional, including the use of water cannons.