Philippines Reaffirms Commitment to Sovereignty and Multilateralism in the West Philippine Sea
April 11, 2024 - In a recent statement, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, reaffirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s dedication to protecting the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rights of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The ambassador emphasized the administration’s ongoing efforts to pursue a multilateral approach to address the current challenges in the region.
During an interview at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, Romualdez addressed questions regarding the potential de-escalation of actions by China in the WPS amidst a trilateral meeting involving the Philippines, Japan, and the United States. He acknowledged that while the Philippines cannot predict China’s actions, the country’s intentions are clear: to safeguard its territory and sovereign rights.
Romualdez highlighted the historical patience of the Filipino people and the current administration’s resolve not to stand by as Filipino fishermen are prevented from accessing traditional fishing grounds. “We just want to be given our right to be able to explore our own environment, our territory, the respect for international law,” he stated.
The ambassador also pointed out the importance of dialogue in resolving territorial disputes without inciting conflict. He mentioned the trilateral summit between the Philippines, Japan, and the US as a pivotal event that will shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
Romualdez expressed confidence in the support of many like-minded nations that uphold the freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and the 2016 arbitral award in favor of the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He reiterated the country’s commitment to a multilateral resolution of issues, supported not only by its alliance with the United States but also by the broader ASEAN community.
This policy, as outlined by President Marcos Jr., seeks to foster cooperation and peaceful resolution through multilateral channels, reflecting the Philippines’ dedication to international law and regional stability.