President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to defend The Philippines’ sovereignty in the South China Sea

29-11-2024

Yasemin Beyza Uçar

South and East Asia Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the President of the Philippines, warned the Australian government that he was not letting any external power take one inch of the Philippines’ territory and that Manila was determined to defend its sovereignty. In November 2023, Australia and the Philippines conducted joint sea and air patrols for the first time in the South China Sea with the aim of progressively interfering with China’s claim over the entire sea. 

Accordingly, the President of the Philippines asserted that a strategic partnership between Australia and the Philippines is crucial to respond to China’s threats. He added that new ties are needed to resolve challenges to the region’s peace and stability – mirroring the unified response against Japanese forces during World War II. The importance of this strategic partnership arose from Marcos’ assessment that no country would be able to handle such a situation by itself and, therefore, this partnership is of utmost importance. 

Australia and the Philippines made a great effort to build a rules-based international order after World War II and are currently determined to protect the order in the South China Sea. Furthemore, Marcos stated that the protection of the South China Sea is vital since the critical global artery is crucial to the maintenance of regional peace, as well as global peace. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reminded Marcos that success and advancement depend on peace. 

The tension between Beijing and Manila is increasing as China deploys coast guard ships, its navy and an unannounced militia of fishing boats. These efforts are aimed at forcing the Philippines off of contested features, which contradict international legal rulings declaring that China has no right to the territories.

In a protest against the Philippines’ record on rights, Marcos was interrupted by Senator Janet Rice, a member of the minor Greens party. She raised a sign with a message that read “Stop Human Rights Abuses”. Senator Rice noted in a statement that Marcos continued the legacy of persistent human rights abuses of his forerunners. She was then censured by a majority of her colleagues in the Senate. Her behavior was regarded as unparliamentary, rude, and disrespectful. The Senate also disapproved of her disregard for the magnitude of Australia’s and the Philippines’ relations. Nonetheless, this censure does not carry any consequences for Janet Rice. 

Sources and further readings

Alasdair Pal, ‘Philippines' Marcos says he remains firm in defending sovereignty’ (Reuters, 29 February 2024) https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-marcos-says-he-remains-firm-defending-sovereignty-2024-02-29/ accessed 29 February 2024.

Rod Mcguirk, ‘Philippine president tells Australia their strategic partnership is more important than ever’ (AP, 29 February 2024) https://apnews.com/article/marcos-australia-philippines-parliament-china-fb8ccc6b13813c5d7b24422f902d9310 accessed 29 February 2024.

Stephen Dziedzic, ‘President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr deepens maritime ties with Australia as he vows not to yield an inch to China’ (ABC News, 29 February 2024) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-29/philippines-president-ferdinand-marcos-china-albanese-dutton-/103526654 accessed 29 February 2024.