KUALA LUMPUR – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underlined the importance of upholding international law and strengthening regional cooperation as he addressed world leaders during the 13th summit on Monday.th ASEAN-US Summit and 20th East Asia Summit.
At the ASEAN-US Summit, Mr. Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to deepening relations with Washington and other regional partners, describing the ASEAN-US Joint Vision Statement as a roadmap to advance cooperation in line with the Outlook of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
US President Donald J. The summit, co-chaired by Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, focused on deepening security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Mr. Marcos expressed concern over the continuing incidents in the South China Sea that “endanger the lives of Philippine personnel and compromise the safety of ships and aircraft.”
They described the alleged effort to designate Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) as a “nature reserve” as a violation of Philippine sovereignty and international law, citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a 2016 arbitral award.
Despite these incidents, Mr. Marcos reiterated that the Philippines remains “resolute, calm and resolute” in pursuing a code of conduct in the South China Sea that is “effective, concrete and consistent with international law.”
Meanwhile, in Mr. Marcos's intervention speech at 20th Later in the day at the East Asia Summit – speaking as the incoming ASEAN chair – he urged member states and partners to adopt “constructive diplomacy, restraint and respect for international law” amid rising geopolitical tensions.
“Rapidly changing times remind us how fragile peace and stability are in our global community,” he said. He said the East Asia Summit remains an important platform for dialogue on regional and global issues.
Mr. Marcos also welcomed the agreement between Hamas and Israel on the first phase of the Gaza peace plan, praising US efforts and regional coordination that made the agreement possible.
He expressed hope that the plan would pave the way for a two-state solution and “long-term peace and stability in a region where two million Filipinos live and thousands of seafarers travel.”
In front of Chinese officials during the summit, Mr. Marcos again condemned China's declaration of a “national nature reserve” at Scarborough Shoal, calling it a violation of Philippine sovereignty and international law.
“The Philippines strongly opposes such a declaration,” he said. “Bajo de Masinloc is a long-term and integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction.”
President cites 10 successful rotation and resupply missions BRP Sierra Madre There is evidence at the Second Thomas Shoal from July 2024 that “diplomacy and dialogue can reduce tensions, provided that commitments are respected and sincerely translated into action.”
Mr. Marcos concluded his remarks by congratulating the East Asia Summit on its 20th summit, while reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to upholding its sovereignty and engaging constructively with partners.th Anniversary – “A milestone for continued dialogue and cooperation at a critical time.”
The ASEAN-East Asia Summit consists of 19 members: ASEAN member states, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. , Chloe Marie A Hufana
