Envoy: South Korea stands with Philippines on sea issue

MANILA, Philippines — South Korea stands with the Philippines in upholding the rule of law amid “palpable” tensions in the region and the “turbulent” situation in the South China Sea, Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa said.

In his remarks at the Korea National Day reception on Wednesday, Lee emphasized that solidarity among nations is “essential” amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

“Here in our own region, the tensions are palpable as the waves of the South China Sea grow ever more turbulent,” Lee said.

“In times like these, solidarity among nations committed to freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law becomes not just desirable but essential,” he said.

Despite the tensions in the region, the ambassador said the partnership between South Korea and the Philippines stands as a beacon of stability.

The Korea National Day coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines.

Lee said the special bond between South Korea and the Philippines laid the groundwork for the establishment of a Strategic Partnership during the state visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol to the Philippines.

The Philippines’ support for Korea’s Aug. 15 Unification Doctrine underscores the commitment for a peaceful, secure and denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

“In expressing mutual concern over North Korea’s trajectory, both leaders showed that Korea and the Philippines are on the same course, navigating towards a future rooted in peace and stability,” he added.

Yoon stepped up his country’s role in supporting regional security and its commitment to South China Sea.

He also affirmed the importance of maritime security and promoting freedom of navigation and overflight in the disputed waters.

In March, China warned South Korea to “behave cautiously and in a neutral manner” over disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Lee also warned that the deployment of North Korean troops to “unjust” war deepens Pyongyang’s estrangement. He was referring to reports of North Korean soldiers being sent to Ukraine to fight with the Russians.

North Korea is one of Russia’s few open allies in its unjust war on Ukraine. The United States Department of Defense said Pyongyang had shipped arms and munitions to Russia.

“North Korea has positioned itself firmly on the wrong side of history,” Lee said.

North Korea’s recent constitutional changes, he said, now define South Korea as a hostile state, intensifying its isolation while pursuing reckless actions that endanger not only the region but global stability in general.

“The country’s involvement in an unjust war that prolongs human suffering is one of many actions that serve only to deepen its estrangement,” Lee said, referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The US said evidence suggests that North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia. Some of the soldiers had already moved closer to Ukraine and were being outfitted with Russian uniforms and equipment.