MANILA, Philippines, February 24 ------ The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for the Philippines’ policy and position on dealing with issues in the South China Sea amid Chinese aggression. During his recent visit to London, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, and exchanged views on the South China Sea and other regional issues.
Manalo welcomed the strengthening partnerships of the Philippines with like-minded countries, such as the UK, in upholding a rules-based international order and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific. Aside from bilateral engagements, Manalo had a roundtable discussion with executives of British corporations at London-based think tank Asia House, where he provided valuable insights on the state and direction of Philippine-UK relations, Philippine-US relations and tensions in the South China Sea.
The secretary noted that in its Annual Outlook 2025, Asia House named the Philippines as among Asia’s star performers. Asia House’s 2024 Business Perceptions Survey said geopolitical tensions remain the most significant risk to the region’s economic outlook. Manalo noted the “tensions in the South China Sea remain due to the continuing illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions against legitimate operations by Philippine authorities in the maritime zones under our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.”
He emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to resolving these matters through diplomacy and peaceful means on the basis of international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Manalo also had a dialogue – in-person and online – with at least 500 attendees at the Royal Institute of International Affairs. The secretary underscored the Philippine position on South China Sea disputes, stating, “It has been clear and consistent: maritime claims cannot exceed the limits set by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Philippines will defend its national interests and maritime entitlements, but we are committed to diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”
Source: philstar.com
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