The president of the Philippines has been addressing ongoing concerns about territorial disputes in the South China Sea during his official visit to Australia.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spoke at Australia's parliament on Thursday, saying he would remain firm in defending national integrity.

Manila has been at odds with Beijing over its territorial claims in the South China Sea as regional tensions continue to rise. China claims almost the entirety of the waters.

Marcos said, "I will not allow any attempt by any foreign power to take even one square inch of our sovereign territory."
He added that the protection of the South China Sea as a vital, critical and global artery is crucial to the preservation of regional and global peace.

The Philippines has long had a strong alliance with Canberra, with the two nations elevating their diplomatic relationship to a strategic partnership last September.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a joint press conference with Marcos that they will collaborate even more closely to promote their shared vision for the region.