Manila: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to the Philippines on Monday, aiming to rally regional leaders to attend a Swiss-organized global peace summit on the Ukraine conflict, which he accuses Russia of undermining with China's help.
Zelenskyy arrived under tight security in Manila late Sunday after attending the Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore over the weekend. Initially planning to meet with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Singapore gathering, Zelenskyy decided to fly to Manila to personally invite Marcos to the summit in Switzerland, according to two Filipino officials who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press.
Both leaders voiced criticism of China during the Singapore forum, which brought together top defense and government officials from around the world, including from Washington and Beijing. The discussions took place against the backdrop of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and escalating tensions between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region.
During a news conference at the Singapore forum on Sunday, Zelenskyy accused China of aiding Russia in disrupting the peace summit by pressuring other countries and their leaders not to attend.
"Russia, with the help of Chinese influence in the region, and using Chinese diplomats, is doing everything to disrupt the peace summit," Zelenskyy stated. "Unfortunately, it is regrettable that such a powerful and independent country like China is being used as an instrument in the hands of Putin."
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Zelenskyy's allegations.
While China claims to maintain a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, it has continued to trade with Russia, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions. Intelligence agencies, including those from the U.S. and Ukraine, have reported evidence of Chinese components ending up in Russian weaponry, despite China's denial of direct military support to Russia.
Switzerland had hoped for Chinese participation in the mid-June peace conference, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning indicated on Friday that such participation was unlikely.
At the security forum, Zelenskyy urged defense officials to participate in the Swiss talks, expressing disappointment over some countries' hesitance to commit to attendance. He highlighted Ukraine's proposals for peace, including nuclear and food security, the release of prisoners of war, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the conference, reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine. In a speech on Saturday, Austin condemned "Putin's war of aggression," warning of a future world none would desire.
President Marcos, amidst rising tensions with China over disputed South China Sea islands, highlighted regional dangers at the defense forum. He warned that any Filipino casualty in the ongoing disputes could escalate to an act of war.
Marcos also criticized a new Chinese law authorizing its coast guard to seize and detain foreign ships, which he described as illegal and aggressive actions violating Philippine sovereignty.
Austin, underscoring U.S. commitment as a treaty ally to the Philippines, emphasized the importance of dialogue with China to prevent unnecessary escalation.
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