South China Sea issue part of Marcos’ agenda in Australia visits – DFA

The South China Sea issue will be included in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda when he visits Australia on February 28 to 29 and March 4 to 6, 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs says on Tuesday, February 27. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The South China Sea issue will be included in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda when he visits Australia by the end of this month and next month.

Marcos will go to Australia on February 28 to 29 for an official visit, where he will address the Australian Parliament; and on March 4 to 6, for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) – Australia Summit.

In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Teresita Daza was asked if the South China Sea issue will be among the topics that Marcos will discuss with other leaders in Australia.

READ: PH oks new Asean free trade terms with ANZ, Hong Kong

“Yes,” she said. “We have very strong defense and security relations with Australia, they have been a partner with us for a long time even before the official establishment of relations because they were with us as partners during World War II, and now the relations [have] actually seen an elevation from comprehensive to strategic partnership.”

“In terms of defense and security that will actually be talked, will be discussed but also in terms of what’s happening in the region and what is happening within our region – one issue will be South China Sea,” she added.