MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang expressed hope that discussions regarding the West Philippine Sea will be brought to the table during the upcoming high-level bilateral meeting between United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, September 22, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro acknowledged that while the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not involved in the high-level dialogue, Manila would appreciate the inclusion of Philippine maritime interests.
“Hindi po tayo privy, hindi po tayo kasama sa kanilang usapan so hindi po natin alam kung ano ang magiging talakayan ng dalawang liderato,” Castro stated.
“Pero of course mas magandang malaman kung mapag-uusapan nila ang interes ng ating bansa patungkol sa West Philippine Sea,” Castro added.
The two world leaders are scheduled to meet on Thursday, September 24, in Washington.
The summit comes amid persistent maritime friction between Manila and Beijing, including a recent sea encounter where a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel collided with a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship.
The United States remains the Philippines’ sole treaty ally, while China stands as its primary trading partner.