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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez hopeful of lowered tension in West Philippine Sea as other nations make their stand 

Romualdez hopeful of lowered tension in West Philippine Sea as other nations make their stand 

Published Apr 11, 2024 06:24 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez is crossing his fingers that the mounting calls from the international community for parties to adhere to rules-based order and freedom of navigation would ultimately lead to a simmering down of tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

IMG-d9427fa0830e656b5aa5cffb5327e9fc-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Speaker Martin Romualdez is crossing his fingers that the mounting calls from the international community for parties to adhere to rules-based order and freedom of navigation would ultimately lead to a simmering down of tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

Romualdez floated this thought Thursday, April 11 even as President Marcos was scheduled to meet with United States (US) President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in a historic trilateral summit in Washington, DC. 

The US and Japan are supporters of the Philippines' position in the WPS. 

Romualdez said easing tension in the WPS would be of particular importance to many ordinary Filipino fishermen in the area whose livelihood was adversely affected by the security situation, particularly within our country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

In a larger context, the Speaker notes that the WPS is a critical hub for global commerce. He cited reports that approximately $5 trillion worth of trade passes through the body of water annually, comprising more than 60 percent of global maritime trade and more than 22 percent of total global trade. 

As such, Romualdez underscored the vital role of freedom of navigation in the international waters of the region. 

“The ability of nations to navigate freely is essential for trade, communication, and regional security. We trust that the meeting of the three leaders will prove productive in strengthening cooperation to safeguard this crucial right,” said the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives. 

Citing the importance of the WPS in global trade and commerce, Romualdez expressed confidence more members of the international community will join hands in the collective effort to ensure peace and stability in the region, as shown by the growing number of countries participating in the 2024 Balikatan exercises. 

This year’s joint military exercise between the Philippines and the US will see the participation of some 11,000 US troops and 5,000 personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

Military troops from France and Australia are also expected to join while 14 other ally countries will serve as observers, including Japan, South Korea, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Germany and New Zealand. 

Romualdez expressed confidence that the outcome of the trilateral summit will galvanize greater cooperation and collaboration among the international community in promoting respect for international law and adherence to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. 

“I have no doubt that this trilateral meeting will pave the way for a more robust and collaborative approach towards addressing regional challenges. It sends a clear message that the Philippines, the [US], and Japan stand together in promoting stability and upholding the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

He reaffirmed the solid commitment of the House to supporting President Marcos’ initiatives to uphold our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as initiatives to spur growth and development geared towards uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.

Related Tags

trilateral summit Martin Romualdez West Philippine Sea
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