Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the significance of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia during his address to Australia’s Parliament on Thursday. He highlighted the growing threats to the rule of law and regional peace posed by China and asserted the Philippines’ commitment to defending its sovereign territory.
Speaking during a special joint sitting of the two chambers as part of his state visit, Marcos underscored the Philippines’ stance against any attempts by foreign powers to encroach upon its territorial integrity. He made it clear that the Philippines would not tolerate any infringement on its sovereignty, reaffirming its determination to safeguard its land and maritime territories.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently emphasized the Philippines’ stance against China’s disputed claims in the South China Sea since assuming office in 2022. During his recent address to Australia’s Parliament, he reiterated the importance of solidarity between Australia and the Philippines in facing challenges to regional peace and stability, drawing parallels to their collaboration during World War II against Japanese forces.
Highlighting the historic ties between the two nations, Marcos referenced a significant moment in 1974 when his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos, and then-Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam visited WWII battlefields in the Philippines. This visit underscored the interconnectedness of their countries’ security interests.
Moreover, Marcos highlighted the joint sea and air patrols conducted by Australia and the Philippines in the South China Sea in November the previous year, signaling a collaborative effort to uphold maritime security in the region.
Asserting the importance of defending the rules-based international order established after WWII, Marcos stressed the significance of safeguarding the South China Sea as a vital global waterway crucial for regional and global peace.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed Marcos’s sentiments, emphasizing the interdependence of prosperity and progress on peace. He underscored the significance of the maritime cooperation activities conducted by the two countries’ navies, highlighting their commitment to enhancing regional security and stability.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the cooperation between Australia and the Philippines is not only a reflection of their national interests but also a demonstration of their shared regional responsibility. This sentiment was reiterated during Marcos’s address to the Parliament.
However, Marcos’s speech faced a brief interruption from Senator Janet Rice, who protested against the Philippines’ human rights record by holding up a sign. Despite this interruption, Marcos and Albanese announced new agreements on various areas of cooperation, including maritime cooperation, cybersecurity, and fair trade regulation.
The state visit, spanning two days, concludes on Thursday, following which Marcos will return to Australia next week to participate in an ASEAN-Australia Summit commemorating 50 years of Australia’s partnership with the regional bloc.