Marcos among most influential leaders in Southeast Asia – think tank
MANILA, Philippines: The Lowy Institute of Australia named President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as «one of the most interesting, influential and closely-watched leaders» in Southeast Asia.
Lowy Institute Executive Director Dr. Michael Fullilove on Monday said that the President's address delivered before the Australian Parliament last week emphasized his crucial role as a regional leader in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
«In the period since his election in 2022, President Marcos has emerged as one of the most interesting, influential, closely watched leaders in Southeast Asia,» he said at the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.
«If there's anyone who thinks individuals don't matter in politics, I'd invite them to look at the changes in the Philippines in the past 18 months, in particular the way that Manila has become so much more determined to defend its sovereignty,» he added.
Marcos was applauded when he spoke at the Lowy Institute for standing his ground on the West Philippine Sea dispute.
«We shall never surrender even a square inch of our territory and our maritime jurisdiction,» the Chief Executive said.
He said his government continues to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
«Our forces must be able to guarantee, to the fullest extent possible, Filipino nationals, Philippine corporations, and those authorized by the Philippine Government, unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources in areas where we have jurisdiction,» Marcos said.
«We are on the frontline of international efforts to preserve, defend, and uphold the rules-based international order — the same platform from which the postwar Asian economic miracles took off, and upon which the continued prosperity of countries like Australia relies,» he said. «We, in the Indo-Pacific, cannot ignore the existential impact of great power rivalries upon the survival of our peoples and our communities.»
