Davos 2023: Philippines Cites Indo-Pacific Tension Needs Diplomacy

The Philippines, a frontline state in the Indo-Pacific as one of the tensest regions, stated that diplomatically is crucial. The summit in Davos shows the nation is smack dab in the most contested region caught in a power struggle between China and the US.

Philippines Says South China Sea Issue 'Unavoidable'

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Switzerland, said that the Philippines cannot sit on the fence in the South China Sea conflict, as he answered a question by WEF President Borge Brende on the matter, Anadolu Agency reported.

Marcos added the issue had occupied his thought as the tension flared concerning the Philippines. Controlling the most mineral-rich regions in the South China Sea has been in strife as China and the US co-opt its neighbors to engage China's claims in the region, per China US Focus.

Due to this contest between the US and China wherein, US Navy warships and combat aircraft have done freedom of navigation, which Beijing opposes.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), whose members have vast maritime interests like the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan, and current members have claims too.

In November 2002, the Declaration of Conduct concerning the South China Sea, co-signed by ASEAN and China, was the initial multilateral agreement concerning the issue.

China's Vast Claims in the Indo-Pacific Region

Most claims made by Beijing are premised on the 'nine-dash line,' which marks Chinese maps that are historical claims in the region.

However, Manila won a case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016 that invalidated China's South China Sea expansion claims. The mainland government stresses the validity of its claims.

Marcos, last Wednesday, told the panel at the economic summit that the region is constantly changing and fluxing due to quick changes in the area. Reacting fast to developments is unavoidable and responding the right way is crucial.

He highlighted adhering to a peaceful foreign policy that goes side by side with the national interest of the Philippines. Recently on a state visit to China, he spoke to Xi Jinping concerning these tensions, cites Reuters.

One of the points he underscored is the South China Sea issue needs discussion that places it in the language of diplomacy, which is crucial to reach an understanding. Avoiding it will be detrimental to a good relationship.

In a recent state visit to China, the Philippine leader said that as the state head of a frontline state, it is part of his job to bring up the matter to his Chinese counterpart. It was his first official visit early in January after winning the elections. Recent activity by China led the Philippines to bolster its presence as new building activities in the South China Sea are allegedly underway.

A statement released by the Philippines Department of Defense mentioned any illegal occupation in the West Philippine Sea or attempts to reclaim any part of the Pag-asa Island. It is called a part of the country that should not be encroached on by any nation. But the mainland government denied such activities in the region.

The Philippines' presence in Davos indicates its role in the Indo-Pacific region, which is intricate in South China Sea geopolitics.