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Filipino Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos urges stronger global role to uphold rules-based order amid SCS tensions
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the need for like-minded nations to 'play a more active role' as a responsibility in upholding and defending rules-based international order. Delivering his foreign policy address at an event organized by international global think tank Observer Research Foundation, the President noted that some powers 'are seeking to take advantage' of some nations that shifted its priorities to internal concerns. 'Unfortunately, such narratives at times dominate, obscuring the international community's judgment,' he said in his address at the Leela Palace on Wednesday in New Delhi, on the sidelines of his state visit in India. Marcos cited the issue on South China Sea, emphasizing that not all claims are equal. For instance, the complex issue of competing claims in the South China Sea has, for years, been unfortunately and simplistically reduced to 'the South China Sea disputes,' as if all claims are equal. They are not,' he added. Marcos noted that the claims of several states 'have to pass the test of conformity with international law' particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and 'definitive, binding interpretations such as the 2016 Arbitral Award. 'Such misinformation or inaccurate narratives distract us from calling out illegal and unlawful actions for what they are: violations of international law,' he said. The President also stated that there are forces 'who sometimes justify such provocations under the pretext of geopolitics.' 'Just as disconcertingly, there are those who seek to discredit international legal procedures and dismiss binding rulings to cloak opaque claims with a semblance of legitimacy', he said. Marcos did not specify any nation, but China has long been making sweeping claims in the South China Sea including massive parts of West Philippine Sea. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2016, invalidating China's 'nine-dash line' but which China refuses to acknowledge up to now. Marcos urged both the Philippines and India 'to assert the clarity of international law' as part of its strategic partnership. 'As co-architects of the rules-based international order, we have a solid foundation on which we can build,' the Chief Executive noted.
India Today
8 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
India, Philippines seal strategic partnership to boost Indo-Pacific ties. Know more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, a defining leap in ties beyond mere agreement spans trade, maritime cooperation, tech, tourism, culture, space, and digital, alongside a strong dose of defense and MOMENTUMFor the first time, Indian and Philippine navies conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea, a strategic show of operational synergy and shared commitment to maritime India deployed warships to Southeast Asia, with three arriving at the Philippines, underscoring its growing regional naval Philippines secured BrahMos missile systems from India and is now looking to acquire even more. Both countries are in talks on developing submarine infrastructure, hinting at future undersea UNDERPINNINGSThis shift marks a symbolic and practical move, India stepping decisively into the South China Sea, a region traditionally deemed China's strategic 'backyard.' The partnership emphasises adherence to a rules-based international order, echoing the 2016 UNCLOS arbitral tribunal ruling that challenged China's 'ninedash line.'India and the Philippines are moving from diplomacy to operational alignment, from treaties to tangible naval drills and defense IT MATTERS?1. Vindicates India's ActEast trajectory, from economic outreach to maritime muscle.2. Deepens Philippines' strategic palette, establishing ties beyond US alliance dynamics.3. Signals regional recalibration, a clear message to all IndoPacific players, especially in light of rising strategic crisp, no fluff terms, India and the Philippines just turned up the heat not with rhetoric, but with naval sails, tech-sharing, and strategic choreography. Their new accord isn't just a declaration, it's a regional pivot, alive and evolving.- Ends
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
We Support Freedom Of Navigational Overflight, Legitimate Commerce Through South China Sea: MEA
NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday reiterated its steadfast position on the South China Sea, asserting its support for freedom of navigation, overflight, and legitimate commerce through the region, which it views as part of the "global commons", noting that the stance is rooted in international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). During a special press briefing on the occasion of the state visit of the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India has a long-standing interest in peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring that any disputes in the region should be resolved peacefully, without the threat or use of force, and through legal and diplomatic means. MEA Secretary (East), Periasamy Kumaran, highlighted that discussions on the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea should be effective, substantive, and inclusive of the interests of all stakeholders, including those not party to the negotiations. "Our position on the South China Sea is clear and consistent. We consider the South China Sea as a part of global commons and we support freedom of navigational overflight in the region and legitimate commerce through the waters of the South China Sea. India has an abiding interest in peace and stability in the region, and our position is based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982," Kumaran stated. "India also believes that any difference between the parties concerned should be resolved peacefully by respecting the legal and diplomatic processes and without resorting to the threat or use of force. We have also said that the discussions on the code of conduct that come out of these discussions should be effective and substantive and it should also take into account the interests of the parties which are not part of the COC negotiations. The PM himself had said in his joint statement that 'We support the freedom of navigation based on international law'; that broadly sums up our policy there," he added. This remark came following a statement by Spokesperson of China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command calling out the Philippines for organising "joint patrols" with "external countries", noting that these exercises undermine regional peace and stability. "The Philippines has been rallying an external country to interfere in the South China Sea by organising so-called "joint patrols", which undermine regional peace and stability. PLA Southern Theatre Command's forces remain on high alert, resolutely defending national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the Spokesperson said. The statement was a veiled reference to India recent joint naval exercise with the Philippines, where three Indian Naval Ships, INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan of the Eastern Fleet, took part for operational deployment in Southeast Asia. The exercise was led by Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral Susheel Menon. India and the Philippines, in a Joint Declaration on the "Establishment of a Strategic Partnership", following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippines President Marcos meeting, have also reaffirmed their position on the matter, underscoring their commitment to upholding international law, unimpeded lawful commerce and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Both nations also expressed concern over coercive and aggressive actions that threaten peace and stability in the South China Sea and called on all relevant parties to exercise restraint and commit to peaceful, constructive means of dispute resolution. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, while also supporting the enhancement of engagement under the ASEAN framework, the joint statement stated. Both countries also recognised the crucial role of the seas and oceans in supporting their development goals and shared challenges on maritime security as coastal and maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific. They exchanged views on regional maritime challenges, committed to sharing best practices, and pledged to enhance cooperation between maritime agencies and institutions for the peaceful and sustainable use of marine resources, including collaboration on maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding, coastal surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, pollution control, and search and rescue operations, as stated in the statement. The two nations expressed interest in greater participation in multilateral maritime exercises, including the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, India's Exercise MILAN, and the Philippines' Maritime Cooperative Activities and furthermore agreed to enhance security cooperation through regular dialogue and engagement on peacekeeping operations, cyber security, military medicine, critical technologies, and economic security matters. India and the Philippines also agreed to deepen cooperation under the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, aiming to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. They reiterated their shared commitment to working together on issues concerning the Global South, including through continued cooperation in the Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS).
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia reaffirms Sulawesi Sea designation, rejects Indonesia's "Ambalat" term
KUALA LUMPUR: Wisma Putra said Malaysia identifies the maritime area covering Blocks ND6 and ND7, as outlined in the 1979 Peta Baru Malaysia, as the Sulawesi Sea, rejecting the use of the term "Ambalat" employed by Indonesia. In a statement today, the Foreign Ministry said the matter relates to possible joint development between Malaysia and Indonesia in the Sulawesi Sea, which remains at an exploratory stage. It said that nothing has been agreed upon by both sides. "Malaysia remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. "All discussions on this matter will be conducted through diplomatic, legal and technical mechanisms within the established bilateral frameworks," the ministry said. The ministry added that it will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Sabah state government, to safeguard Malaysia's position. It said that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 2002, which awarded sovereignty of Sipadan and Ligitan islands to Malaysia, further reinforced the country's position over its maritime area in the Sulawesi Sea. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan clarified the issue in the Dewan Rakyat today in response to questions raised by members of parliament. He said that any terminology used must correctly reflect Malaysia's sovereign position and legal rights over the area.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Use 'Sulawesi Sea' and not 'Ambalat' to refer to contested maritime area, says Tok Mat
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan ( pic ) has urged all parties to refer to the contested maritime area off Sabah as the Sulawesi Sea, not Ambalat – a term, he says, Indonesia uses to reinforce its territorial claims. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 5), Mohamad said the disputed area includes Blocks ND6 and ND7, which Malaysia maintains are within its sovereign waters. 'I wish to draw the attention of this august House to the reference to Ambalat by Indonesia. Their claim covers part of the Sulawesi Sea, including Blocks ND6 and ND7. ALSO READ: Nothing final yet on Sulawesi Sea issue with Indonesia, PM tells Dewan Rakyat 'Malaysia's position is that these blocks fall within our sovereign area, based on international law and the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. 'Therefore, the accurate reference in line with Malaysia's stance is 'Laut Sulawesi' (Sulawesi Sea), not Ambalat. 'The term Ambalat is Indonesia's nomenclature to strengthen its claim. We should not use it,' he added. Mohamad was responding to a question about the possibility of jointly developing the area, which lies within the 1979 New Map of Malaysia, with Indonesia. He reiterated that the ICJ's ruling on Sipadan and Ligitan had affirmed Malaysia's maritime rights projected from the two islands, which include Blocks ND6 and ND7 – the very blocks Indonesia now disputes. Under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, maritime boundaries are determined based on the low-water line along the coast, not the high-tide mark, Mohamad said. He pointed out that while Malaysia adheres to this principle, Indonesia has claimed otherwise. ALSO READ: Leaders set on resolving border issues, boosting ties He assured the House that Malaysia is handling the matter through peaceful means, maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with Indonesia. 'Maritime boundary negotiations are ongoing under the Technical Meeting on Maritime Boundaries Delimitation between Malaysia and Indonesia, which has been in place since 2005. 'We enjoy good relations with Indonesia; 98% of it is positive. We shouldn't allow the remaining 2% to lead to conflict. 'Let us negotiate that 2% calmly. Surely we don't want to go to war over it,' he added. Mohamad stressed that finalising the maritime boundary remains a government priority and outlined several strategic steps. ALSO READ: Sabah kept in loop on Malaysia-Indonesia Sulawesi Sea Treaty negotiations, says CM They include concluding maritime delimitation with Indonesia through diplomatic, legal, and technical mechanisms; ensuring Sabah's involvement in any decision that affects or borders the state; and safeguarding Malaysia's strategic and security interests, particularly in natural resources, territorial waters, and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). On Sabah's role, Mohamad said the state government is fully involved in all technical discussions and negotiations. 'The Federal Government works closely with Sabah. Their representatives are included in meetings and technical negotiations on maritime boundaries with Indonesia,' he said. He also welcomed suggestions for officials from Wisma Putra or the Malaysian Maritime Department to brief MPs, senators and Sabah assemblymen to prevent confusion or political manipulation. 'There's no issue with conducting briefings. We can schedule them to ensure everyone understands the matter clearly. 'We don't want this to become a thorn in our side or political fodder, especially with the upcoming Sabah election. 'Let us not allow it to mislead the rakyat, especially our people in Sabah and Sarawak,' he said.
