President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ stance on the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing the country’s sovereign maritime claims in line with international law.
This comes after the passage of the Philippine Maritime Zone Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which assert the nation’s maritime territory.
China recently summoned the Philippine ambassador in Beijing to express disapproval of these laws.
In an ambush interview in Cavite, President Marcos confirmed he issued no new directives to the Philippine ambassador to China.
He explained that China reiterated its objections to the Philippine position in the South China Sea, including its own claims over what it calls sovereign territory.
Marcos stressed that the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea remains unchanged.
“They expressed their objection. They said they do not agree and will continue to protect what they define as their sovereign territory. Of course, we do not agree with their definition of sovereign territory,” President Marcos stated.