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

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos assured the public that the government will 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 highlighted the growing international support the Philippines has received in the face of ongoing tensions 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 added.

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

China continues to assert sweeping claims over the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

In 2016, the Philippines secured a landmark arbitration victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which ruled that China’s expansive claims had no legal basis.

China, however, has rejected the ruling, dismissing it as “illegal, null and void.”