MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally thanked Australia on Thursday for its unwavering support to the Philippines over its maritime claims in the South China Sea.

In his address to the Parliament of Australia in Canberra, President Marcos commended Australia for abiding and sharing the same interests in keeping the seas free and open.

He stressed the protection of South China Sea is vital as it is the critical global artery crucial to the preservation of regional and global peace.

He also admired Australia for upholding, defending, and preserving the “unified and universal character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the constitution of the oceans.”

“We draw strength from the consistent and unequivocal support of Australia and the international community for the lawful exercise of our rights, which have been settled under international law. And so, on behalf of the Filipino people, I thank you, Australia, for standing with the Republic of the Philippines,” the President said.

“We demonstrate the depth and breadth of our security cooperation through regular exchanges between our armed forces and our coast guards, including in the areas of maritime security, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief,” he added.

The chief executive said the Philippines will remain firm in defending the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction even in the challenging situation with Chinese maritime assets in the region.

Before leaving for Canberra on Wednesday, President Marcos cited the presence of the Chinese Navy, supporting the Chinese Coast Guard ships in the West Philippine Sea and actively jamming the communications of Filipino vessels in the area.

President Marcos is set to fly home on Thursday following the two-day State Visit in Australia. (PND)