Berlin, Germany—President Marcos said he is looking forward to meeting US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who is scheduled to visit Manila next week for a courtesy call in Malacañang amid the ongoing tensions between Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.
“The first item I will be seeing, meeting with Secretary Anthony Blinken on Tuesday,” Mr. Marcos told reporters here.
The President said he is hoping to discuss the strengthening of trilateral relations between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines during Blinken’s visit to the country.
“Well, of course, we’ll hope the intention is to continue the plan to strengthen the cooperation between the three countries—the United States, Japan, and the Philippines,” the President said referring to his meeting with Blinken.
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Blinken is expected to arrive in Manila on the eve of March 18 before paying a visit to President Marcos on March 19. Japan, meanwhile, has yet to confirm their attendance.
The United States and Japan are both critical of the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Both nations have expressed their support to the Philippines amid China’s recent provocations.
Meanwhile, China has previously called on the US for using the Philippines as a pawn to stir up tensions in the region.
“China urges the U.S. not to use the Philippines as a pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea. The Philippines should not let itself be at the mercy of the U.S.,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.