PH thanks Lithuania, hits local critics of West Philippine Sea strategy

Metro Manila, Philippines -  Malacañang welcomed the strong backing of Lithuania on the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea, while expressing disappointment in Filipino public figures who continue to question the Marcos administration’s approach in defending national sovereignty.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Friday that the Philippine government is grateful to Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė for recognizing the government’s efforts to protect the rights of Filipino fishermen and uphold Philippine claims in the disputed waters.

“Masarap pong pakinggan na mula sa isang banyaga ay nakikita nila at nari-recognize nila ang mga ginagawa ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon. Ang masakit pong pakinggan, kapwa natin Pilipino ang walang paninindigan at kinukondena pa ang ginagawa ng Pangulo para ipagtanggol ang ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea,” said Castro.

[Translation: It’s reassuring to hear that a foreign leader sees and recognizes what the President and the administration are doing. What’s painful is that some of our fellow Filipinos, even public servants, refuse to take a stand on the West Philippine Sea and instead condemn the President’s actions to defend our rights.]

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus during her official visit to Manila, Šakalienė called China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea “gaslighting” and described the Philippines’ transparency initiative—through the public release of maritime incidents and diplomatic protests—as a “gold standard” in resisting authoritarian coercion.

“You showed to the whole world, the international community, that China is gaslighting you, gaslighting your people,” Šakalienė said.

Tensions remain high in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels have repeatedly harassed Filipino fishermen and blocked resupply missions to military outposts within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Šakalienė emphasized the need for greater democratic solidarity, likening China’s tactics in the Indo-Pacific to Russia’s hybrid warfare in Europe. She warned of a growing authoritarian axis composed of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

“We are now basically a triangle of democratic regions… in dire need to stand together against the growing pressure from authoritarian regimes,” she said.