MARCOS: We have not rejected any proposal China made to us

The Philippines is not rejecting China's proposals to resolve issues in the South China Sea but is questioning its neighbor's premise based on its ten-dash-line map, President Ferdinand "Bongbong"Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.

Identifies various contemporary art forms and their practices from the various regions ERIK DE CASTRO/REUTERS

''We have not rejected any proposals that China has made for us but the premise is something that we question," Marcos said.

"That premise that China has made is that their territory follows what is now called as the ten-dash line. This is not recognized by any country, any international body, certainly not by the Philippines,'' he added.

"We have the economic zone that China has already intruded upon and until that premise, that China has made in terms of all these discussions with the Philippines, it is very difficult to see a way forward,'' Marcos said.

Marcos said that when he took office, his duty was to defend the country's territory.

''The first article of the Constitution of the Philippines is the article that describes and defines the territorial area, maritime, and land-based territory of the Philippines. It is my duty, I have no choice, but to defend that and we will continue to defend that,'' Marcos said.

"There’s no territorial disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Proceeding from its bilateral relationship with the Philippines and peace and stability in the South China Sea, China has made proposals to the Philippines on managing the situation at sea and carrying out maritime cooperation," he said.

“The premise that China has made is that their territory is… follows what is now described as a democratic state. It is a 10-dash line. This is not recognized by any country, any international body, certainly not by the Philippines,” Marcos explained.

“Our baselines have been well established for years now. We have the economic zone that China has already intruded upon. And until that premise that China has made in terms of all its discussions with the Philippines, then it’s very difficult to see a way forward,” he added.

“We have not rejected China’s proposals but the premise is something that we question,” Marcos said in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. (ANNA FELICIA BAJO/GMA Integrated News)

China's assertions and behaviors in the South China Sea have stirred tension and disagreement within the region. The South China Sea, recognized for its strategic significance, abundant natural resources, and as a crucial shipping route, serves as a focal point for China's multifaceted interests. These interests can be broadly delineated as follows:

Territorial Claims:

China maintains a claim of sovereignty over the majority of the South China Sea, marked by the "Nine-Dash Line." This expansive territorial assertion intersects with claims made by various other nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Resource Exploration:

The South China Sea is believed to harbor substantial reserves of oil and natural gas. China's engagement with the region involves the exploration and extraction of these resources to address its escalating energy requirements.

Strategic Significance:

Serving as a pivotal maritime pathway for global trade, the South China Sea witnesses a considerable volume of international shipping. Control over this area empowers a nation to wield influence over maritime trade routes, bolstering its strategic standing.

Military and Security Considerations:

China has undertaken the construction and militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea, outfitting them with airstrips, radar installations, and military facilities. This has prompted concerns among neighboring nations and the global community regarding China's military intentions in the region.

National Pride and Historical Affirmations:

China frequently references historical records to validate its claims in the South China Sea, emphasizing that these territories have been integral to Chinese history for centuries. Nationalist sentiments and a drive to uphold China's historical claims contribute to its stance on the matter.

Regional Influence:

Through the assertion of control in the South China Sea, China seeks to augment its influence in the region, positioning itself as a predominant force in East Asia. This involves shaping the political and economic landscape to align with Chinese interests.

It is crucial to highlight that these claims and actions have faced widespread criticism from other nations in the region and the international community. The disputes in the South China Sea have resulted in heightened tensions, diplomatic conflicts, and apprehensions about potential military confrontations. The situation remains intricate and dynamic, with continuous efforts to find peaceful and diplomatic resolutions to the disputes.

“It is in all our interest to keep it as a safe passage for all international commerce that goes on in the South China Sea.” - Apple Majait