GERMANY VISIT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz answer queries from the media in a joint press conference in Berlin, Germany on Tuesday (March 12, 2024). Marcos stressed the importance of safe passage in the South China Sea, saying a free and open waterway benefits not just the Philippines but the whole world. (PCO photo)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday stressed the importance of safe passage in the South China Sea (SCS), saying a free and open waterway benefits not just the Philippines but the whole world.
“It has to be recognized that the South China Sea handles the 60 percent of the trade of the entire world. So, it’s not solely the interest of the Philippines, or of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), or of Indo-Pacific region but the entire world,” Marcos said during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Germany.
“That is why it’s in all our interest to keep it as a safe passage for all international commerce that goes on in the South China Sea,” he added.
Marcos made the statement as he noted that while there is no outright war in the SCS, there are worries among nations because of the increased tensions in the disputed waters.
He said “it is very difficult to see a way forward,” considering that China “has already intruded” on the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone despite the fact that the latter’s baselines have been “well-established for years now.”
The Philippine government did not reject any proposal that China has made to resolve the issues in the SCS, but questioned its premise that “their territory follows what is now described as 10-dash line,” Marcos said.
China’s 10-dash line claim, he said, is not recognized by any country, including the Philippines.
He emphasized that as Philippine president, he was left with no choice but to continue defending the country’s territory.
Citing Scholz’s upcoming visit to China, Marcos said he could only wish that it would help reduce the tension in the SCS.
Scholz backed Marcos and underscored the importance of upholding international law, particularly laws that govern international navigation, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“I believe it to be important to each and everyone adheres to the legislation in place. We’ve talked about this today, as I said, and I made it clear that we support Philippines in ensuring that the rights are being protected,” Scholz told Marcos.
During his meeting with the Filipino community in Berlin early Wednesday morning (Manila time), Marcos said Germany supports the Philippines’ quest to keep the SCS “open, secure, and peaceful.”.
Diplomatic initiatives
Speaker Martin Romualdez said Germany’s affirmation of support for the Philippines in protecting its rights in the West Philippine Sea under international law, as well as billions of dollars worth of investment deals, validate the importance of the diplomatic initiatives of President Marcos.
“In the face of increasing aggressiveness by China, enlisting the support of like-minded allies, such as Germany, is of immense value to our national interest in the West Philippine Sea as it adds more weight to our position that international law, not unilateral actions, should govern the conduct in the area,” Romualdez said in a press statement on Wednesday.
“We must note that Germany’s support is not singular as it joins other countries that recognize UNCLOS as the binding norm in the West Philippine Sea. As such, this diplomatic victory President Marcos clinched during his three-day working visit to Germany is invaluable to our nation and our people,” he added.
Romualdez also commended the President for his exceptional efforts in securing investment deals worth at least USD4 billion during his working visit to Germany.
The investment deals include three letters of intent from different German companies, two memoranda of agreement, and three memoranda of understanding.
“This accomplishment not only reflects President Marcos's dedication to advancing our nation's economic growth but also underscores his steadfast commitment to serving the Filipino people,” said Romualdez, who is part of the President’s official delegation to Germany.
He said the infusion of these investments will enable the country to modernize critical infrastructure and bolster key industries, which will “undoubtedly spur job creation, stimulate innovation, and enhance productivity.” (With a report from Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA)
