Locsin: US is PH’s ‘most vocal partner’ in reaffirming 2016 arbitral win

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. joins Southeast Asian and U.S. government leaders during day two of the ASEAN-US Special Summit in Washington. Photo from Philippine Embassy in Washington.

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. expressed appreciation to the United States for being the Philippines’ “most vocal partner” in reaffirming Manila’s 2016 arbitral victory.

“We deeply appreciate that. We most certainly welcome the U.S. Senate’s call for a common ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) approach to reaffirm the Award,” Locsin was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Philippine Embassy in Washington on Saturday.

The foreign affairs chief issued this statement during a meeting with key members of the U.S. Congress at the two-day U.S.-Asean Special Summit in Washington.

In 2016, the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. Beijing, however, refuses to recognize the said ruling.

Locsin led the Philippine delegation during the summit on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte, who skipped the even “as a courtesy” to his successor.

During the second day of the summit, Locsin called for regional cooperation on maritime security, the climate crisis, and post-pandemic economic recovery, according to the embassy.

This, as Locsin joined eight other Southeast Asian leaders to tackle the regions’ mutual priorities on maritime security, pandemics, climate action, clean energy transformation, and sustainable infrastructure, as well as on ways to address global issues and emerging challenges.

The summit’s second day featured a working lunch hosted by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Plenary sessions, chaired by U.S. President Joe Biden and Harris, were also held.

Locsin was joined by Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro, Assistant Secretary Ed Espiritu, and Assistant Secretary Angela Ponce. Officials from the Office of the President and the Philippine Embassy in Washington were also among the members of the delegation.

In his intervention, Locsin stressed Washington’s role for peace and stability in Southeast Asia.

“President Biden, your participation gives substance to the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment of being a strong, reliable and dependably present partner in the region; and of America as a force for good and stability in Asia and the rest of the world,” Manila’s top diplomat said.

“That is why the Philippines fully supports the elevation of ASEAN-U.S. relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he added.

Locsin also welcomed the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy as “it places Southeast Asia at the center of the regional security architecture and recognizes synergies with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” according to the embassy.

“We look forward to the political launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). For that to work, inclusiveness in participation is essential,” he added.

The Philippines is among a number of Asean countries participating in the launch of IPEF, noted the embassy.

/MUF