Philippines: 'We will not sacrifice our sovereign rights in the South China Sea'

There have been numerous incidents between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea in recent years. How high is the risk of a military escalation?

These incidents have occurred quite regularly, especially in the last two years. The possibility of these incidents becoming more severe would certainly escalate tensions and even lead to more than that. And that's something that we have been trying to avoid. But of course, trying to avoid them does not mean we will have to sacrifice or give up our sovereign rights. We are, of course, resolved to, let's say, settle whatever differences we have through diplomatic means, but not at the expense of our interests.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, China is your biggest trading partner. How can you continue economic cooperation without jeopardizing your security?

That is, of course, a challenge. We are reaching out to our friends in like-minded countries to strengthen ourselves not only diplomatically or militarily, but also economically, and not to be too dependent on any one country. By becoming more economically resilient, we improve our economic security and, ultimately, our defense security. We are intensifying partnerships with countries inside and outside the region. We are now in negotiations with the EU on a free trade agreement.

The USA is your main security partner. There are voices in the new US administration, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has reaffirmed his "ironclad" commitment to the Philippines' security. But others have also called for a "grand bargain" with China. Trump even spoke out in favor of the idea of a G2 group with China. Are you worried the Philippines' security could be sacrificed in a transnational deal?

Well, I can only answer that question based on the actual meetings and discussions we've had with the officials of the new administration. I had a meeting yesterday with Secretary Rubio. The United States is very consistent in how it commits to our relationship. It is firm and will continue. In fact, we have already agreed that our officials will begin discussions to see how we can promote cooperation in a wide number of sectors, not only the military or defense, but in areas such as agriculture, food security, and energy.

In my conversation with Minister Rubio yesterday, we agreed that our commitment is not tied to any particular government, but is based on our shared history and our shared interests, which are and always will be permanent. So they are not beholden to any particular person or administration.

Another open question is how the new US government will stand on Taiwan, your direct neighbor.

Well, the Taiwan situation has always been a situation of concern and tension. Our position on Taiwan is clear. Of course, we support the one-China policy. But if you look at the map, you will see that the Philippines is only 70 or 60 nautical miles from the southern tip of Taiwan. Also, about 150,000 Filipinos live and work in Taiwan. Therefore, any serious incident or even conflict in Taiwan will have a direct impact on the Philippines. We have direct interests with Taiwan and are an ally of the United States. So, we must ensure that the situation remains peaceful and that any resolution of the Taiwan issue, whatever it may be, is achieved peacefully.

The US is now allowed to use more bases in the Philippines. Are you worried that this might anger the Chinese government?

Well, first of all, we have no bases in the Philippines, our constitution does not grant that. I think the misconception is that these new sites that were set up recently in the Philippines, which are actually part of our enhanced defense cooperation agreement with the US, are really sites. And the intention is to use them as sites to enhance, for example, interoperability of Philippine-US forces in addressing natural disasters or providing humanitarian assistance. And this, in fact, was exemplified by the recent natural disasters we had in the northern part of the Philippines. And some of these sites were used to provide supplies to the affected areas. So, I think some countries are trying to make it appear that these sites are aimed at a particular country, when, in fact, they're aimed really at enhancing our capabilities, especially in providing disaster relief and working with partners such as the US. At the same time, we have other arrangements, not bases, but we have a visiting forces arrangement with the United States. But these are not aimed at any particular country. They're aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities of the Philippines. And that's, sadly, the impression that some countries are trying to create is that the Philippines is caught in a new Cold War

The Philippines is seeking security cooperation with other countries, with Japan and Australia playing an important role. Last year, Boris Pistorius was the first German defense minister to visit the Philippines. And both countries have agreed to cooperate in the field of security. What is the current status?

I think we are developing a good partnership. It is good that Germany is now developing a greater interest in our region, the Indo-Pacific, including the South China Sea. And I think we have a common interest in ensuring the peace and stability of not only the South China Sea but the whole Indo-Pacific region. The fact that German naval vessels have visited us shows that what happens in the South China Sea or the Indo-Pacific has a global impact.

If there is a conflict in our region, it will not only be limited to our region, but will be felt in the rest of the world. The South China Sea is a strategic waterway for trade and, of course, for resources. We have always taken the position that the Indo-Pacific should be free and open and freedom of navigation should be guaranteed in the South China Sea. I think Germany's peresence here further strengthens our view, which is based on international law.

What do you expect from the new German government?

Of course, we would like our relationship to be expanded further. Our President Marcos visited Germany last year. I think it was a very successful visit because we agreed to expand cooperation to new areas. We see common interests where like-minded countries recognize the importance of international law and a rules-based order. We believe that economic prosperity and the well-being of people are vital for our security. So, our relationship is based on common interests that are not tied to specific parties or officials.

Would you welcome a regular transit of German naval vessels in the South China Sea?

Yes, as long as they are in line with international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, we certainly would have no complaints. This applies not only to German ships, but also to ships from other countries such as France, Great Britain, Japan and the United States. China can also pass as long as it is in accordance with international law. We cannot allow the use of the South China Sea to be restricted or limited to only one country. We will always support freedom of navigation.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is known for not mincing words when speaking with the Chinese government. Are you disappointed that she may be leaving office?

(laughs) Well, I met her many times. I wish her all the best and I certainly had a good relationship with her. I consider her a dear colleague.

Enrique Manalo is the Foreign Minister of the Philippines. Among other things, he served as Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom and was the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations.