CHINA Manila celebrates independence, but fears escalation with Beijing

Today the Philippines commemorates the 126th anniversary of the end of Spanish colonization. The authorities view China’s territorial claims with concern. Marcos orders the military to “be prepared” to face any situation. The Catholic Church also does not hide its fear of “losing our independence.”

Milan () – Today the Philippines celebrates the 126th anniversary of the end of Spanish colonization. And on this Liberation Day the authorities have devoted strong attention to national security as well as Chinese territorial claims and tensions in maritime areas on the margins or within Manila’s area of ​​exclusive economic interest. Attention and concern that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed on June 10 during his visit to Army units in Gamu, in the province of Isabela, in the north of the country.

Marcos referred to Chinese pressures and stated that the proximity of the northern tip of the archipelago to Taiwan puts the country in direct contact with tensions between Beijing and Taipei, which would involve Manila in a possible attempt to forcibly return Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China. For this reason, he ordered the military to “be prepared” to face any situation. “The external threat is now more accentuated, more worrying, and that is why we have to be prepared,” he added. He then reminded the troops that their mission is no longer only to ensure internal security but also to confront external challenges.

These statements follow the decision made a few days ago to include the province of Cagayan, the northernmost province of the archipelago, in the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. This allows US troops to use storage points, landing strips and accommodation when joint initiatives require it. A measure that provoked a reaction from Beijing.

Tensions are also aggravated by the proximity of June 15, the date on which a “maritime regulation” drawn up by China will come into force that allows, among other things, the detention without trial for 60 days of “intruders” who enter its territorial waters, including those of the South China Sea in dispute with Manila and other capitals in the region.

Concern has also been felt in the Philippine Catholic Church. A few days ago, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic vicar of Taytay, stated that today’s anniversary was “a gift from God that we must protect.” Above all – he added – at a time when we have serious problems with China and we could be involved in a conflict and lose our independence. “The prelate urged maintaining equidistance from the interests of other countries.