President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for the formation of a “global coalition” of like-minded nations to uphold international law and counter China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region.
In interviews and forums during his state visit to India, Marcos emphasized the need for unity among countries facing similar challenges from Beijing, particularly in maritime and territorial disputes. He noted that both the Philippines and India have long-standing tensions with China, with Manila confronting incursions in the West Philippine Sea and New Delhi facing a border row in the Himalayas.
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“India and the Philippines shared challenges with China. What we are forming here is one of the aspects of the new parts of the India-Philippines relationship. This is the formation of a global coalition of like-minded states,” Marcos said in an interview.
He stressed that such a coalition is not about opposing any one country but about upholding principles such as respect for sovereignty and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“We are not here to bemoan whatever it is that China is doing, but really to form that coalition. We are not against anyone, we are just for the defense of our territory and the respect of our sovereign rights,” he added.
A Collective Stand for Peace and Sovereignty
Speaking at the Observer Research Foundation forum in New Delhi, Marcos said the global landscape demands stronger partnerships, especially as the region grapples with geopolitical tensions and threats to maritime security. He framed the Philippines’ strategy as one anchored in active diplomacy and firm adherence to a rules-based order.
“We fight for peace. That is the solution that we find will be most effective. To form these alliances, put together a coalition of like-minded states who share the same values, who adhere to international law, and who are committed to defending their territory,” Marcos said.
The President also underscored that peace requires more than good intentions, noting how repeated Chinese aggression, particularly near Ayungin Shoal, has escalated tensions. He reaffirmed the Philippines’ position on the 2016 Hague ruling that invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims.
Reinforcing Strategic Partnerships
The call for a global coalition came as Manila and New Delhi elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with new agreements on defense, maritime, and trade cooperation.
Marcos reiterated that defending peace and sovereignty today goes hand in hand with regional cooperation. “Peace must be fought for and that is what we’re doing,” he said.
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