Philippines may face China-sized hurdle as it makes its case for UN security seat

The Philippines is campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC), a bid analysts say could bolster its diplomatic leverage to address maritime tensions in the South China Sea. However, they warn Beijing’s veto power might hinder these efforts.

Making his country’s case before the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said on Sunday that the Philippines “has emphasised that the rule of law and the integrity of the multilateral system must prevail amid the current global challenges”.

He also noted that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jnr, affirmed that “multilateralism remains the single viable platform for collective action against transcendent global challenges.”

In September, Manalo announced the Philippines’ intention to seek support for a non-permanent seat on the council for the 2027-2028 term.

“The Philippines is making positive headway in its campaign for the UNSC, secure in our proven track record of being a dependable partner, pathfinder and peacemaker in world affairs, with eight decades of multilateral diplomacy experience as a founding member of the UN and having previously sat in the UNSC four times,” Manalo said.

Without explicitly naming China, Manalo alluded to rising tensions in the South China Sea.