Foreign Minister of the Philippines meets India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar !
Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo and S Jaishankar
New Delhi – Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo, who is on a visit to India, held an important discussion with India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on 29th June. This visit is important against the backdrop of Philippines’ purchase of BrahMos missiles from India. Before coming to India, Enrique had said in an interview that China is the biggest challenge for India and the Philippines, because it is creating tension in the area.
Enrique Manalo said in an event in Delhi on 28th June that we want a strong defence relationship with India. China is encroaching on our maritime territory and its actions are in violation of international law. We have told China clearly about this. We believe that every marine area in the world should be open to everyone. Why only Indian Ocean and South China Sea ? This is where trade takes place, and no country can have jurisdiction over it.
(Credit : Blitz India)
Geo-strategic location of the Philippines is important for India !
Countries affected by China’s activities in the South China Sea include Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Philippines is trying to get India and the US to support these small countries and end China’s interference.
The geo-strategic location of the Philippines is important for India. It is an important country in the South China Sea region. Its forces have also conducted joint military exercises several times with India.