The Philippines remains committed to resolving tensions in the South China Sea through diplomatic channels but will not compromise its territorial sovereignty, said Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in an interview with CNA’s Leong Wai Kit.
“We are dedicated to addressing any disputes peacefully and in line with international law. That has always been our stance,” Manalo stated. “While we are open to discussions on managing tensions, our sovereign rights and sovereignty will not be compromised.”
Managing Tensions with China
Relations between the Philippines and China have become increasingly strained due to frequent maritime confrontations in the disputed South China Sea, also known in Manila as the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines has strongly condemned Beijing’s aggressive actions, while China has accused Manila of repeated encroachment in its claimed waters.
China asserts sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, overlapping with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the Philippines and several other nations. Under international law, a country’s EEZ extends 200 nautical miles from its coast, granting rights over marine resource exploration and usage.
“Our activities within our EEZ are lawful and in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Manalo emphasized. “We are simply asserting our rights and expect them to be respected. We are determined to defend them.”
Not Driven by US-China Rivalry
Manalo pointed out that China often views the Philippines’ maritime stance through the lens of US-China competition rather than as a bilateral issue.
“The Philippines is not asserting its rights in the EEZ because of the US. We are doing so based on international law and our national interest,” he said. “This should be seen within the context of Philippine-China relations and how we can improve them.”
Since early 2023, the Philippines has adopted an “assertive transparency” strategy, publicly documenting Chinese actions in the disputed waters, including incidents of harassment against Philippine vessels and fishermen.
“Transparency allows the truth to be seen. We are exercising our legal rights, and we did not initiate confrontations,” Manalo said. “All we have done is conduct routine resupply missions for our troops or assist our fishermen, yet we have faced harassment, intimidation, even collisions and water cannon attacks. The best way to show the reality is to publicize these events.”
Strengthening Defense Capabilities
As a long-time ally of the United States, the Philippines has a mutual defense treaty with Washington, ensuring assistance in times of major conflict.
Last month, Manila announced plans to acquire the US-made Typhon missile system as part of efforts to bolster its maritime security. The move drew criticism from China, which warned it could trigger a regional “arms race.” The missile system purchase is expected to be completed in about two years.
Manalo clarified that the acquisition is solely for defense.
“Our aim is to modernize our military and enhance our defense capabilities. We are committed to maintaining peace in the region. Any upgrades we pursue are meant to improve our defensive capacities, not to provoke hostilities.”
US-Philippines Relations Under Trump
With Donald Trump set to return to the White House on January 20, Manalo expressed confidence that US-Philippine relations would remain strong, citing decades of cooperation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Trump following the US election last November, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to strengthening their alliance.
“Their conversation gives us confidence that our relationship will remain stable. We share common perspectives on regional security,” Manalo said. “Our cooperation extends beyond defense and military ties to economic and private sector partnerships.”
He recalled that during Trump’s first presidency (2017–2021), US-Philippines ties remained robust, with Trump even describing his relationship with then-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as “great.”
“Our alliance has grown stronger over time. Military cooperation under our mutual defense treaty and agreements like the Visiting Forces Agreement has been a cornerstone of our partnership,” Manalo noted. “These commitments have been in place for 75 years, and they will continue.”
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