Philippines President Issues Gloomy Outlook Over Maritime Dispute With China: ‘Difficult to See a Way Forward’

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the President of the Philippines Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos address a joint press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin, on March 12, 2024. Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. sounded a somber note on the burgeoning conflict with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, warning that it is “difficult to see a way forward.”

The president made the remarks during a state visit to Germany, where he held talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is looking to develop closer ties with the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia to become less dependent on China.

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by Eric Olander

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