In the face of escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippines has garnered significant international support, with both the US Congressional Delegation (CODEL) and the Indian government pledging solidarity with the country, condemning Chinese aggression.
As part of their two-day visit to the Philippines, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, leading the US CODEL, paid a courtesy visit to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, March 26.
“We share your concern about China’s aggression with regard to many of the issues around the Philippines. We stand with you, and we want to continue to stand by you and with you, and to push that aggression back appropriately,” Senator Gillibrand assured President Marcos as their discussion shifted towards China’s blatant aggression.
Moreover, she further expressed concern over China’s aggression in the WPS despite international rulings favoring the Philippines, emphasizing their support for the country, which she regarded as an ally and a friend to the US.
On the same day, Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar likewise paid a courtesy visit to President Marcos, also as part of his official visit to the Philippines.
In his remarks, Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to preserving international legal standards in the Indo-Pacific region, acknowledging the validity of the 2016 ruling of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which dismissed China’s claim on the Philippine waters.
He added that India is ready to support the Philippines, even if the international ruling goes against them, expressing willingness to become a “charter member” in efforts against China’s aggression in the South China Sea.
“So, if you want a country, which actually says will accept the judgement even if it goes against us, we are actually a natural candidate. So, we can be on your ship,” Jaishankar pledged to President Marcos, stressing India’s readiness to stand by the Philippines in its WPS endeavors. | Kian Kirby F. Florano