The European Union is ready to deepen marine security cooperation with the Philippines, according to European Commission President Ursula Leyen.
The EU Commission President also emphasised the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific area.
She was speaking after meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila, where they spoke about a range of issues, including climate change, trade, and security.
At a joint press conference with Marcos, she stated, “We are prepared to deepen our collaboration with the Philippines on maritime security in the region by sharing intelligence, conducting threat assessments, and boosting your coast guard’s capacity.
Ms. Leyen reiterated the EU’s support for a 2016 international arbitration decision that rejected Beijing’s broad claims, stating that the decision is legally binding and establishes the framework for amicably settling disputes.
The Philippines, which has lodged hundreds of diplomatic protests against China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea, does not recognise the momentous verdict.
The leaders also discussed relaunching negotiations for a free trade agreement, which have been stalled since 2017. The talks were initially launched in 2015 with the aim of concluding a deal that covers tariffs, non-tariff barriers to trade, and intellectual property among others.
Leyen also stated that the European Union will support the Philippines’ fight against climate change, which is a priority for Marcos as he pushes for renewables to account for 35% of the country’s power mix by 2030.
With its marine boundaries comprising part of the South China Sea, a critical and resource-rich waterway over which China also claims sovereignty, the Philippines is a fulcrum of the geopolitical competition between the United States and China.
