Experts tout Marcos ‘subtle’ speech to assert rights in West Philippine Sea

June 1, 2024 , 05:41 PM

By Rodolfo Dacleson II

(June 1, 2024) – Geopolitical analysts on Saturday touted the speech of Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. regarding the Philippines’ commitment to assert its rights in the West Philippine Sea during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Dr. Renato De Castro described Marcos’ statement as “strong” and “very sophisticated” to maintain the country’s stance to oppose China diplomatically.

“The message has been formulated in a way that would not antagonize anyone,” said De Castro, who teaches international studies at De La Salle University (DLSU), in a media forum. “Ayun ‘yung tinatawag natin na Godilocks percival, not too hot and not too cold.”

He also lauded Marcos for underscoring the Philippines’ rights based on international law.

“May mga very subtle pitik siya sa China. I have to read between the lines,” said De Castro. “Tinatawag niya na based on imagination (ang claim ng China), whereas our claim is international law.”

Echoing De Castro, Prof. Don McLain Gill said Marcos clearly stated that the Philippines is not the problem in the West Philippine Sea.

“The problem is rooted in those countries that refuse to accept international law kasi international law na ang basis natin for engagement, especially the region, and those states that go beyond this, sila na ang revisionist,” said Gill, who also teaches international studies at DLSU.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines in the majority of the disputed territories claimed by China with its so-called nine-dash line.

China, however, not only dismissed the landmark ruling but also continued its aggression. The China Coast Guard has been involved in recurring incidents of harassing Filipino fisherfolk and local vessels.

Recently, China said it will detain without trial for up to 60 days foreign individuals perceived as “trespassers” in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, starting June this year.

Marcos already slammed the policy, accusing China of escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Maintaining a “friend to all” approach in his foreign policy, Marcos reminded the Philippine Coast Guard to not be provoked by China’s bullying tactics.

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