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NSC backs PBBM call for China to respect PH rights in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
January 31, 2025, 4:19 pm

MANILA -- The National Security Council (NSC) on Friday expressed its support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call to China to respect the country's sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and cease its "aggressive and coercive behavior" in the vital waterway.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, in a statement, stressed that Manila has always pursued "peaceful and diplomatic measures consistent" with its desire to de-escalate rising tensions in the WPS.

"As directed by the President, our actions in the WPS remain compliant with international law and established norms of cooperation and diplomacy. We see this as contributory to peace and stability in the region, which will benefit not only the Philippines but the entire region," he added.

Año clarified that the US Medium Range Capability (MRC) Typhon missile system is purely for defense purposes and is not directed against any nation.

"It was deployed to the Philippines during the 2024 Balikatan exercises singularly meant to improve readiness and interoperability with troops and equipment from other countries, including the United States. As such, its continued deployment in the country is essential in our efforts to improve our defense capabilities," he added.

Año is hoping that the Chinese government would reciprocate the Chief Executive's sincere gesture in the spirit of goodwill and amity.

On Thursday, Marcos vowed to have the US missile system pulled out of the country if China stops its harassment and illegal actions in Philippine waters.

The Philippine Army also supported the Chief Executive's "clear and decisive stand" on the MRC.

"The Army's modernization and training programs will ensure that we can effectively respond to any existent and emerging security challenge while maintaining our defensive posture in accordance with international law," Army commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said in a Facebook post.

Galido also said the Army stands committed to working closely with the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force to safeguard the country's sovereignty.

"We are ready to defend every square inch of our territory in line with the Commander-in-Chief's guidance," he added.

The Philippine Navy also supports Marcos' stance in upholding Manila's sovereignty and sovereign rights in the WPS.

"The actions of the Philippine Navy in implementing this stand (have) always been in a rules-based manner. Developing naval and joint capabilities is our mandate and we take pride in performing it. No entity -- foreign or domestic -- can dictate on us, much more if they themselves do not adhere to a rules-based approach," Navy spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said in a separate message. (PNA)