Kuala Lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders to expedite the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. This call comes amid escalating tensions in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marcos emphasized the importance of the COC to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations at sea. He reiterated the Philippines' call for a rules-based order in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions.
The backdrop of this call is the intensification of confrontations between China and Southeast Asian countries, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam, in disputed waters. Recently, two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels were damaged following incidents with China Coast Guard (CCG) ships during marine scientific research missions near Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay).
Pag-asa Cay 2 is located just west of Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group. Despite international rulings against its expansive maritime claims, China continues to assert sovereignty over the area, which it calls Tiexian Jiao.
Negotiations for the long-delayed Code of Conduct, aimed at preventing conflict in the contested waters, have been ongoing for over two decades between ASEAN and China. Marcos stressed that regional peace, security, and stability are crucial to ASEAN's future vision.
He also highlighted broader regional challenges such as climate change, economic volatility, and transnational crimes, advocating for stronger cooperation and institutional resilience.
Marcos pointed out that nearly half of the ASEAN population faces significant climate-related risks and called for enhanced climate financing and transformative solutions to the climate crisis.
Reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to ASEAN goals, Marcos emphasized the importance of inclusive development and investment in human capital. He encouraged equipping ASEAN workers with necessary skills, protections, and opportunities.
The President also praised ASEAN's consensus to avoid retaliatory economic measures and commended Malaysia's leadership in preserving regional trade stability. He expressed support for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairship in 2025 and highlighted Manila's readiness to host the regional meet next year.
