THE Kingdom of Denmark’s top envoy to the Philippines Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin recently shared his comprehensive analysis on Indo-Pacific geopolitics for the Ambassador’s Lecture Series organized by the School of Diplomacy and Governance of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
Mellbin delved into the current maritime territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)/South China Sea, the implications of China’s aggression in the region, and ways the Philippines can assert its sovereign rights according to international law.
‘Taiwan is not the tipping point in this region; [it is the] Philippines,’ he explained. ‘If the Philippines would adhere and align with China and not the US, that would change everything.’
Amid the tensions and potential conflict, the ambassador noted the impact of the country’s alliance with the United States and the importance of building closer ties with Japan and Australia.
‘You are much better off aligning with the US than China, because China does not treat its friends or its enemies well,’ he continued. ‘But it’s a Filipino decision at the end of the day.’
In the open forum, the diplomat addressed the students’ questions on the concept of international law, the growing global support for the Philippines, reinforcement of multilateral diplomacy, Denmark’s cooperation in expanding Philippine fishing in the WPS, and the world’s economic ties with China.
To cap off the Q and A session, the Danish envoy emphasized the Philippines’ need to work on a long-term, unified strategic vision and internal consistency in its policies.
Mellbin reiterated that Filipinos should not yield in the face of bullying: ‘Find strategies that work for you. Other countries have. You can too. The Philippines can, but it does take real political will and political unity.’
In her speech delivered by Benilde SDG faculty member Josue Raphael Cortez, Consular and Diplomatic Affairs/Diplomacy and International Affairs Chairperson Catherine Dee Samaniego lauded the strong ties between Denmark and the Philippines.
‘[Both] may be located on different sides of the world with vastly different cultures, but we are united by our appreciation for mutual respect, shared values, and preserving a peaceful and prosperous international environment,’ Samaniego remarked. ‘More specifically, it is in our common interest to preserve the freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, diffuse geopolitical tensions, and build inclusive societies that are technologically prepared and environmentally sound, among others.’
The lecture series aims to bridge diplomacy and the academe by allowing the students to be exposed to the perspectives of foreign ambassadors.