BERLIN — President Marcos said the Philippines has not rejected any
maritime-related proposals in the South China Sea from China.
He, however, slammed China’s ten-dash-line claim, saying it is not
recognized by any country.
The President’s remarks came during the joint press conference with
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday afternoon here in Berlin.
“We have not rejected any proposals that China has made for us but the premise is something that we question. That premise that China has made is that their territory follows what is now called the ten-dash line. This is not recognized by any country, any international body, certainly not by the Philippines.,” said Mr. Marcos.
“We have the economic zone that China has already intruded upon and until that premise that China has made in terms of all these
discussions with the Philippines, it is very difficult to see a way
forward.,” he added.
He stated that it is his sworn duty as the country’s chief executive
to defend the country’s territory.
“I took an oath to defend and support the Constitution of the
Philippines. The first article of the Constitution of the Philippines
is the article that describes and defines the territorial area,
maritime and land-based territory of the Philippines. It is my duty, I
have no choice, but to defend that and we will continue to defend
that,” he said.
Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported China’s proposals
centered around the South China Sea, which the agency deemed only few were “somewhat workable”.
“While a few proposals were deemed somewhat workable, many of the remaining Chinese proposals were determined, after careful study, scrutiny and deliberation within the Philippine Government, to be contrary to our national interests,” the DFA said in a statement.
Included in the previous proposal raised by China is the recognition
of Ayungin Shoal, which is inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic
Zone, as part of Beijing’s territory.
President Marcos, moreover, hailed Germany’s support in fostering
international and rules-based law in the ongoing geopolitical dispute
in the West Philippine Sea.
“On regional and international matters, I thanked Chancellor [Olaf]
Scholz for Germany’s staunch support for international law, including
the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the President said.
“Our shared commitment to international law strengthens our
partnership and creates a favorable atmosphere for working together on global issues,” he added.
The chief executive reiterated the country’s stance to address the
issues through formal dialogue and consultation, he, however, vowed to continue defending the Philippines sovereignty and jurisdiction while fostering international law.
For his part, the German Chancellor assured his support to the
Philippines in fostering international and rules-based law.
“I believe it is important for everyone to adhere to international
law,” Scholz said.
In recent weeks, China and the Philippines have tangled anew in its
ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea after Beijing’s ships
continue its provocations in the region.
These provocations such as the collision between the Philippine Coast Guard ship and Chinese Coast Guard vessel and Chinese Navy’s use of water cannons against troops conducting resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.
President Marcos vowed to file a protest against China amid the
tension in the WPS.
Chinese President Xi Jinping previously asked Chinese troops to be
prepared for “war”, citing the possible escalation of the tension in
the region.
