The Philippines has not received any opposition from other countries regarding its position and activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) except for one, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Despite China’s continued aggression—escalating from maritime confrontations to airspace incursions, attacking foreign patrols, and pressuring the Philippines to withdraw the Typhon missile system— Manalo said the country remains firm in asserting its rights in parts of the South China Sea (SCS) under international law.
“What is being challenged is not only our rights to use the resources and to take advantage of resources within our exclusive economic zone, but also our sovereignty and sovereign rights as laid and set forth in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Manalo said in a NewsWatch interview.
“We will continue to stress our views and our points on this… What I can say, and I said this before, we have not received any word of any country opposing or criticizing our moves, our rights, our activities there, except for one,” he added.
Manalo emphasized that the Philippines remains committed to upholding peace and security through diplomatic means, without compromising its position. He noted that several like-minded nations support Manila’s defense of its rights in the SCS.
“Our position too has also been consistent that we wish to settle these disputes through diplomatic means. And that’s the way that we are going to pursue… we will consistently speak out with our partners and in relevant forum,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges in Philippine-China relations, Manalo stressed that disengagement is not an option. He underscored the country’s resilience and adaptability in dealing with unforeseen actions by any foreign power.
Manalo also affirmed that the Philippines remains open to economic negotiations with China, but emphasized that any discussions must align with the country’s legal and strategic interests.
“We haven’t closed the door on possible talks in the future. But I think we have to bear in mind, in order for the talks to be successful, our positions have to be satisfied, especially our legal options, our conditions should be there, should be satisfied. So, I think we’re open, but it still has to be negotiated,” he said.