NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PBBM To Push For Finalization Of Binding Code Of Conduct In South China Sea
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced that he plans to urge fellow Southeast Asian leaders at the 42nd ASEAN Summit to prioritize the finalization of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS) in order to ease tensions in the disputed waters.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Marcos highlighted the importance of a COC in reducing tensions in the contested waters, emphasizing that without it, the region would not be able to achieve stability.
Marcos said that a binding COC would make things clearer and reduce the possibility of miscalculations, and he hoped that the regional bloc would be able to address the issues hindering the conclusion of negotiations, which is a key element in ASEAN centrality.
He emphasized his consistent advocacy for the completion of the Code of Conduct in various forums, stating that it is the ultimate solution to the region's challenges.
When asked about the challenges in finalizing the COC, Marcos acknowledged that separate bilateral negotiations between ASEAN member-states and China complicate the process and must be resolved.
He clarified that the negotiation of the COC is separate from the ASEAN Summits, emphasizing the need for discussions to identify and address the specific problems and bottlenecks hindering progress.
During the previous ASEAN Summit, Marcos emphasized the need for an early conclusion of a COC in the South China Sea, based on international law, as a demonstration of how states can effectively manage their differences.
He highlighted the diverse agendas of different countries but expressed optimism that through dialogue and a common goal, progress can be achieved. President Marcos stressed the urgency of reaching an agreement due to increasing tensions in the region.
Marcos, accompanied by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday to participate in the regional gathering.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Marcos highlighted the importance of a COC in reducing tensions in the contested waters, emphasizing that without it, the region would not be able to achieve stability.
Marcos said that a binding COC would make things clearer and reduce the possibility of miscalculations, and he hoped that the regional bloc would be able to address the issues hindering the conclusion of negotiations, which is a key element in ASEAN centrality.
He emphasized his consistent advocacy for the completion of the Code of Conduct in various forums, stating that it is the ultimate solution to the region's challenges.
When asked about the challenges in finalizing the COC, Marcos acknowledged that separate bilateral negotiations between ASEAN member-states and China complicate the process and must be resolved.
He clarified that the negotiation of the COC is separate from the ASEAN Summits, emphasizing the need for discussions to identify and address the specific problems and bottlenecks hindering progress.
During the previous ASEAN Summit, Marcos emphasized the need for an early conclusion of a COC in the South China Sea, based on international law, as a demonstration of how states can effectively manage their differences.
He highlighted the diverse agendas of different countries but expressed optimism that through dialogue and a common goal, progress can be achieved. President Marcos stressed the urgency of reaching an agreement due to increasing tensions in the region.
Marcos, accompanied by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday to participate in the regional gathering.
May 10, 2023
