Australian envoy expects Marcos to take 'very measured, balanced approach' on WPS issue

Australian Ambassador Steven James Robinson on Friday said he expects President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to take a "very measured and balanced approach" on the issue of the West Philippine Sea.

Late last month, Marcos said that there should be "no room for negotiation" when it comes to sovereignty, highlighting the importance of the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea, a portion of which Manila renamed as the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos also said he would talk to China, which does not recognize the decision, "consistently with a firm voice."

"I think the president-elect is going to take a very measured and balanced approach in terms of how he approaches all of these issues to seek the best outcome he can for the Philippines," Robinson said when asked about his thoughts on the president-elect's recent statements on the WPS.

"And I think any pragmatic politician would do exactly the same, to try and work out how do you get the best for your country in difficult circumstances and that's what I'm anticipating from the president," he added.

The diplomat issued the remark after his courtesy visit to Marcos, where they discussed the long-standing relationship between Australia and the Philippines, particularly on defense cooperation and trade relations.

During his meeting with Marcos, Robinson said that he reiterated Australia's support for the ruling. 

Robinson also discussed with Marcos the military training that the Australian Defense Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines conduct, the development assistance relationship, and Australia's investment in the country, which amounts to around $80 million a year to ensure the security and prosperity of the people in Mindanao.

As Filipinos are considered the fifth largest ethnic group in Australia, Robinson said Marcos shared his views on how both countries could capitalize on the people-to-people ties.

Marcos flew to Australia for a private visit shortly after winning the presidency in the May 9 election.

"It was very interesting to hear the president's views about how we might build on all of those linkages, particularly in terms of the economy, which is a fundamental focus for the president-elect, and also how we can build on our bilateral relationship with Australia as we move to our strategic partnership later this year," Robinson said.

"So we had a very cordial meeting. It was very, very good to hear the president's views on what he wishes to do and how he wishes to bolster the relationship and to reaffirm with him Australia's long-standing commitment and partnership with the Philippines," he added.

The Philippines and Australia established formal relations in 1946. —VBL, GMA News