South China Sea: Philippines’ Marcos Jnr calls for ‘paradigm shift’ in diplomacy with Beijing

In an interview with Japanese media on December 16, parts of which were shared with Philippine media on Monday, Marcos Jnr said traditional diplomatic efforts were being disregarded by China, according to a presidential palace release.

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Philippines sets up ‘game changer’ monitoring station on island in disputed South China Sea

Philippines sets up ‘game changer’ monitoring station on island in disputed South China Sea

“It’s time that the countries that feel that they have an involvement in this situation, we have to come up with a paradigm shift,” Marcos Jnr said, while reiterating the Philippines wants to avoid violent conflict.

He added his government will continue talking to its partners and come up with a joint position stating their responsibilities as far as the West Philippine Sea is concerned.

The Philippines refers to the part of South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone as the West Philippine Sea.

Beijing flexes muscles in South China Sea as Manila puts it on the defensive

The Philippine leader said the situation in the disputed sea will not improve if his nation continues to deal with China in the same way. The nation must also move quickly in resolving the issue as it’s already affecting the livelihood of its fishermen.

There was no immediate comment from the Chinese embassy in Manila.

Additional reporting by Bloomberg