Palace welcomes Lithuania’s support for PH efforts to uphold WPS rights

Lithuanian Minister for National Defense Dovile Sakaliene reacts during an interview at a hotel in Makati, Philippines on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. She said a Philippine campaign aimed at exposing China’s aggression in the disputed South China Sea has shattered “the illusion of China being peaceful and friendly” and urged democratic countries to stand united against an emerging axis of authoritarian countries led by China and Russia. — Photo by Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday welcomed Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene’s support for the Philippines’ efforts to uphold its rights in the West Philippine Sea amid tensions with China.

At a briefing, Palace press officer Claire Castro said it was encouraging that the Marcos administration’s efforts are being recognized internationally.

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“It’s nice to hear that from a foreigner they see and recognize what the President and the administration are doing — that’s nice to hear,” she said.

READ: Lithuania’s defense chief praises PH campaign exposing China aggression

However, Castro also criticized a government official — whom she did not name — for having no clear stance on the issue.

“It is painful to hear our fellow Filipinos or Filipino public servants not take a stance regarding the West Philippine Sea and even condemn other actions of our President,” she said.

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In an exclusive interview with NewsWatch Plus, Sakaliene expressed firm support for the Philippines in its maritime dispute with China.

“You showed to the whole world, the international community, that China is gaslighting you, gaslighting your people,” Sakaliene said in the interview on Thursday.

She went on to describe the Philippines’ transparency efforts in countering aggression as a “gold standard” for addressing similar forms of violence. /das