Marcos’ visit to Germany, Czech Republic key to WPS issue – Romualdez

In this screenshot of a video taken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines some 2 kilometers east of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, China Coast Guard Vessel No. 5203 blocks a boat contracted by the AFP for a resupply mission on Sunday morning in that area of the West Philippine Sea.

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s visit to Germany and the Czech Republic has a strategic significance to the Philippines’ claims over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said.

Romualdez, in a statement on Monday, said a joint declaration, entitled “A Joint Declaration of Intent on Strengthening Maritime Cooperation,” is expected to be signed between the Philippines and Germany during Marcos’ visit to Berlin.

Both Germany and the Czech Republic were among the 16 European nations that supported the Philippines’ fight for sovereignty over the WPS and the upholding of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim.

“These visits would serve to bolster bilateral relations, enhance economic cooperation, and reinforce the Philippines’ standing in the international community. Amidst complex geopolitical challenges, fostering strong alliances with nations sharing similar values is imperative for safeguarding our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Romualdez, who is accompanying Marcos on the trip, said.

“In the face of increasing assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea, adherence to international law is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Marcos, according to the Speaker, will also seek stronger bilateral relations with the two countries and possibly expand economic cooperation for more mutually- beneficial trade opportunities.

Marcos is also expected to “emphasize the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to strengthening partnerships with like-minded countries in promoting rules-based international order” when he meets with the two countries’ leaders.

Romualdez said the House of Representatives “fully supports” Marcos’s efforts to advance the Philippines’ interests during foreign trips.

“We, at the House of Representatives, stand solidly behind President Marcos in his pursuit of diplomatic solutions to the West Philippine Sea dispute anchored on the respect for international law and the principles of maritime freedom,” Romualdez said.

Marcos’ visit to Germany and the Czech Republic comes on the heels of incidents between Chinese and local vessels over waters within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Last March 5, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that one of its vessels collided with the China Coast Guard ships during a resupply mission conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the WPS.