Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11) — The “repeated infringement” on the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) “necessitates the enhancement” of the nation’s defense capabilities, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said on Monday.
In his speech during the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) forum held in Washington D.C., the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief explained the country still aims to resolve issues on the WPS through peaceful and legal means but enhancing the nation’s defense is also a must.
“The Philippines has been clear and consistent about our interest in maintaining the South China Sea as the sea of peace and stability and our aim to boost our defense capabilities, including in the framework of EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement),” he said.
“Repeated infringements on our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction and other destabilizing actions that go against international law…in the South China Sea also necessitates the enhancement of our defense capabilities,” he added.
Earlier this year, Manalo said Beijing’s aggressive actions in the WPS persist on a daily basis, “depriving the Philippines of the use of our exclusive economic zone.”
Manalo made the comment after a Chinese vessel pointed a military-grade laser at a Philippine Coast Guard ship near Ayungin Shoal, temporarily blinding crew members and disrupting its resupply mission.
During the CSIS forum, Manalo also talked about the stronger relationship between the US and the Philippines, touching on multiple topics such as economic alliance, military drills, and the EDCA.
Asked if China’s recent moves in the WPS played a role in the country’s decision to build stronger ties with the US, Manalo said the Philippines would have made the decision to expand its security even without the US.
“Whether it be with the US or with even with other partners in the region, we’re doing this simultaneously. Improving our ability to defend ourselves and at the same time talking with China and urging them to observe the UNCLOS and other aspects of the rule of law,” he said.
