The Philippines has announced its candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-28 term. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cited the nation's extensive experience in peacekeeping, consensus-building, and fostering cooperation as the pillars of its bid. Analysts view this move as a calculated strategy to enhance the Philippines' influence on the global stage, particularly concerning contentious issues like those in the South China Sea.
During a recent "vin d'honneur" gathering at the presidential palace, President Marcos Jr. addressed diplomats, including China's ambassador, highlighting the nation's longstanding history and credible record in multilateral diplomacy. The President elaborated on how the Philippines' peacekeeping and consensus-building experiences position it as a strong candidate for the Security Council seat.
"With a long history and a credible record of multilateral diplomacy," declared Marcos Jr., emphasizing the country's readiness to assume more leadership roles that address significant global issues.
The Philippines' candidacy serves not only as an assertion of its diplomatic prowess but also as a potential means to leverage its position in discussions, potentially putting pressure on Beijing about South China Sea matters. By securing a seat on the Security Council, the Philippines could raise issues that may prompt China toward compromise.
"We need to further strengthen multilateralism efforts that will reform the Security Council and revitalise the general sentiment," President Marcos Jr. remarked, underscoring the importance of collaboration on the global stage.
President Marcos Jr. stressed that the nation's commitment to multilateral diplomacy underpins its candidacy. He confidently pointed to the Philippines' rich experience in this arena as a key asset that could bring about meaningful dialogues and solutions to complex international challenges.
"The Philippines is in a very strong position to take on more leadership roles that seek to advocate on consequential issues in the global agenda," he noted.
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