EU to boost maritime security cooperation with the Philippines

The European Union (EU), a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states, is set to boost cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security.

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, said on Monday that the EU was ready to strengthen the cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security in the region. She highlighted the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The European Commission President held a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila, the Capital of the Philippines. They discussed various issues, including trade and climate change. 

The European Commission President said in a joint press conference with the Philippine President, “We are ready to strengthen the cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security in the region by sharing information, conducting threat assessment and building the capacity of your coast guard.” She further said, “An Indo-Pacific free of the threats of coercion is key to all our stability, to our peace and to the prosperity of our people.”

The Philippines and Vietnam claim their rights on the South China Sea. However, the People’s Republic of China uses a nine-dash line when drawing its borders in the South China Sea. The EU rejects Beijing’s expansive claims on the South China Sea.

In 2016, an international arbitration ruling invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims on the South China Sea. The EU also supported the ruling. However, China does not recognise the landmark ruling.

The European Commission President and the Philippine President also discussed the South China Sea issue. The South China Sea is called the East Sea in Vietnam. Some of the land masses of the Sea are also claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines. China has repeatedly claimed “historical rights” on the Sea.

During the meeting, Von der Leyen also said the EU will support the Philippines’ fight against climate change.