Pres Marcos Jr. announced his intention to seek Australia’s assistance
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will seek Australia’s support in addressing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, as reported by the Philippines amid the presence of Chinese warships and a helicopter near Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that President Marcos Jr., scheduled to visit Canberra on February 28 and Melbourne on March 4 for an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit with Australia, will seek assistance during a time when the rules-based international order is facing challenges.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed the presence of Chinese warships and a helicopter near Scarborough Shoal. While the warships maintained a distance of more than 20 nautical miles from the shoal, a Chinese Navy helicopter was observed flying over the area.
This sighting marks the first time such an aircraft has been spotted in the area. Earlier in the month, the PCG reported that China had reinstalled a floating barrier near Scarborough Shoal, part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
President Marcos Jr. aims to discuss geopolitical issues affecting the region at the ASEAN-Australia Summit. Australia, as the oldest dialogue partner of ASEAN, plays a crucial role in various areas, including political security, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural exchanges.
During the summit, President Marcos Jr. is expected to express gratitude for Australia’s support for the rule of law and the 1982 United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea. He may also emphasize the importance of peaceful dispute resolution and respect for the rules-based international order.
Given the strong defense and security relations between the Philippines and Australia, the South China Sea issue is likely to be a key topic of discussion. Both countries share a commitment to ensuring peace and stability at sea, reflecting their longstanding partnership dating back to World War II.
Politics News: Pres Marcos Jr. announced his intention to seek Australia’s assistance
