US Secretary of State Rubio Meets with Philippines President, Discusses South China Sea Tensions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila on Wednesday, amidst growing tensions in the South China Sea. The meeting took place during Rubio’s visit to the region for a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN).
Rubio’s meeting with Marcos Jr. aimed to reaffirm the strong alliance between the two countries and their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. According to Rubio’s spokesman, Tommy Pigott, the two leaders confirmed that ‘there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea.’
The South China Sea dispute has been a major point of contention between China and the Philippines in recent years. China claims most of the South China Sea, including areas that hold the exclusive economic zones of other countries, including the Philippines. The Philippines has accused Chinese coast guard personnel of striking and injuring a Philippine sailor, while China has said the Philippine officers instigated the conflict.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Rubio maintained a diplomatic tone during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He praised China for withholding support for Iran and opposing a toll in the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio also emphasized the importance of the US-China relationship, stating that ‘it would frankly be reckless and irresponsible for the US and China not to have a relationship.’
Rubio’s comments were somewhat less measured in an opinion column published in Philippine newspapers earlier this week. In the column, he warned that if the South China Sea falls under the control of a power willing to use commerce as a geopolitical weapon, both the US and ASEAN states would face dire new threats to their sovereignty, security, and economic futures.
Protests erupted outside the ASEAN conference, with demonstrators criticizing the US involvement in area conflicts and blaming the Trump administration for fueling tension in the region. Protestors held up signs that read, ‘U.S. out of everywhere!’ and ‘War criminals not welcome! Ban Rubio! Ban Trump!’
As tensions between the Philippines and China continue to escalate, the international community is closely watching the situation. The US has long been a key player in the region, and its relationship with China is set to be put to the test in the coming months.
In a significant development, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the US in September. The visit is likely to be a major topic of discussion during the meeting between Rubio and Marcos Jr.
ASEAN’s survey shows a tilt towards China over the US, further adding to the complexities of the situation. The US and its allies, including South Korea and Japan, are vowing to maintain a robust deterrence posture against North Korea, but the situation in the South China Sea remains a pressing concern.
