President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines delivered a historic keynote address at the 21st edition of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue. This marked the first time a Philippine leader opened the prestigious event, which took place in Manila.
President Marcos Jr. in his speech, reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication to ASEAN Centrality, making it clear that this commitment remains a crucial part of the country’s foreign policy. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and stability, highlighting the role of ASEAN in maintaining peace and security.
President Marcos Jr. described Bharat as a valued friend and expressed a desire to continue and strengthen collaboration with New Delhi. He also highlighted the Philippines’ intention to bolster its alliance with the United States and enhance strategic partnerships with countries such as Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Brunei, and other ASEAN member states.
The President stressed the importance of expanding these strategic partnerships beyond defense to include areas such as environmental protection, economic growth, people-to-people relations, and sustainable development. He underscored the Philippines’ goal to connect global conversations with unique regional perspectives through multilateral engagements.
Marcos Jr. also mentioned the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, noting its direct impact on the development of South Asian states. He emphasized that the economic security of East Asia relies on the freedom of navigation and unimpeded passage in the South China Sea and East China Sea, as well as the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait.
He stated that due to the geographical proximity and the presence of Filipinos in Taiwan, the Philippines has a legitimate interest in cross-Strait issues. He called for peace and stability in the region and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
President Marcos Jr. addressed the ongoing strategic competition between China and the United States, acknowledging that this rivalry is influencing the regional landscape and constraining strategic choices for regional states. He warned that this competition is exacerbating existing flashpoints and creating new security dilemmas.
In a notable development earlier this year, Bharat delivered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines as part of a USD 375 million deal signed in 2022. The Indian Air Force transported the missiles to the Philippines, where they will be deployed by the Marine Corps to enhance coastal defense amid escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea.
President Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of unity and cooperation among countries in the Indo-Pacific region. He stressed that the future of the region will be shaped by the collective efforts of many countries, each with its unique experiences and aspirations, and called for a commitment to maintaining international norms and peace.
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