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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Manalo reaffirms PH position on WPS during phone call with Blinken

Manalo reaffirms PH position on WPS during phone call with Blinken

Published Dec 28, 2023 11:35 am

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines’ position on asserting its territorial sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea in his latest conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. 

In a statement provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the agency said Manalo “reaffirmed the Philippines’ abiding interest to protect its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction” over the waters still being disputed by China.

But he also reiterated the country’s commitment to maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and uphold the rules-based international order.

Manalo expressed the country’s position as he talked by phone with Blinken on Wednesday, Dec. 27 (Washington time). He also talked with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Dec. 20, to discuss the situation in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

"Secretary Manalo emphasized the importance of dialogue and maintaining open lines of communication with other parties in pursuit of these objectives,” DFA said.

“Secretary Manalo and Secretary Blinken acknowledged the robust Philippines-United States alliance and bilateral relations, as well as discussed important opportunities for further strengthening cooperation in 2024,” it added.

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