Kazan: The Philippines will continue strengthening defense cooperation with its allies while ensuring that such engagements remain 'purely defensive' and do not provoke conflict, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has said. In an interview with Russia Today (RT) uploaded on its website on Friday, Marcos said the Philippines is conducting annual joint military exercises with countries, such as the United States and Japan, to enhance the country's defense readiness as it safeguards its territory.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized that the policy of the Philippines is straightforward: the government is obligated to protect its territorial integrity and exercise its sovereign rights. He made it clear that the Philippines is not promoting the foreign policy of any other nation and has no intention of engaging in or initiating confrontation.

Marcos noted that while the country continues to modernize its defense posture, it remains a non-aggressive state focused on protecting its territorial integrity. He stated that the main goal is to ensure that the defense of the Philippines is solid, welcoming any partners and allies who support this aim.

He reiterated that the Philippines has no interest in starting any confrontation and that it has not been aggressive in any way. The focus is on defending territoriality, sovereignty, and the exercise of sovereign rights.

Marcos acknowledged that the Philippines is not a powerful country militarily. He rejected the idea of returning to a bipolar global order, noting that global dynamics are moving towards multipolarity, which allows for balanced cooperation among nations.

He concluded by stating that this new approach helps maintain stability and manage differences peacefully, especially amid ongoing territorial disputes in the region. The Philippines' foreign policy remains anchored on national interest and peace, with these principles guiding its international engagements.