WASHINGTON, D.C. – As tensions escalate due to the ongoing aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG) against Philippine vessels, the Philippines is gearing up for potential discussions with various like-minded countries such as the United States, Australia, and others on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 24.
In an exclusive interview with GMA Integrated News in Washington, D.C., Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez expressed confidence that Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the UNGA, would effectively address the country’s concerns.
Romualdez highlighted Manalo’s experience as a former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasizing his ability to communicate effectively with other nations.
“Secretary Manalo has initiated the ‘GO Philippines’ campaign to convene discussions with other countries to address issues in our region, especially maritime safety. This presents an opportunity for us to engage in meaningful conversations with like-minded countries,” Romualdez said.
Every September, world leaders gather in New York to kick off the annual UNGA session, with this year marking the 79th session set to commence on September 24.
Amid the lineup of global leaders expected to address the session, Marcos has delegated the representation to Manalo.
“The President has decided to limit his international trips up to the end of the year,” Romualdez earlier told GMA News Online.
Romualdez also hinted at a possible meeting between Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the UNGA.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue as a crucial step towards peaceful resolutions and highlighted previous diplomatic engagements between Philippine and Chinese representatives discussing ways to sustain peaceful dialogue on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue.
Recently, the Philippines and China reaffirmed their respective stances on a contested shoal in the South China Sea during the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, with both nations committing to explore avenues to prevent potential conflicts.
Despite not reaching a breakthrough on resolving the conflict at the Sabina Shoal, known as Escoda by Manila and Xianbin Reef by China, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported a frank and constructive exchange of views between Philippine and Chinese officials during a meeting in Beijing on September 11.
China’s vast territorial claims in the waters have sparked tensions and violent confrontations with smaller claimants, like the Philippines and Vietnam.
In July 2016, a The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines and declared China’s massive and historic claim on the South China Sea illegal and baseless under international law. China does not recognize the ruling. —KG, GMA Integrated News
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