President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to an independent foreign policy under his leadership.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address, the President vowed to intensify efforts to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.

“In the face of new threats to our peace and sovereignty, our preparation, vigilance, and defense of ourselves have become stronger than ever,” he said.

“However, we still exercise restraint and remain patient, especially in guarding our entire archipelago and protecting our interests,” he added.

Marcos also cited the growing support the country is receiving from various nations across the world in connection with the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.

“But now our confidence is even higher because we have more allies who will stand with us in times of great need,” he said.

“Then as now, our foreign policy remains the same: the Philippines is a friend to all. The Philippines is an enemy to none,” he stressed.

He continued: “That will be our main focus as we, the Philippines, host the ASEAN Summit in 2026.”

China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

Despite the Philippines having won in 2016 a landmark arbitration case in the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, the superpower rejected the award, calling it “illegal, null and void.”