NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Philippines Urges ASEAN To Defend International Order Amid South China Sea Challenge
Photo credit: PCO
In an address during the 43rd ASEAN Summit Retreat, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the challenge faced by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concerning the South China Sea issue. The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to dispute resolution and urged member nations to protect the international order from ambitions.
President Marcos delivered a message, "History will judge whether the rule of law prevails, ushering in an era where all stand truly as equals, independent and unswayed by any power."
He stressed the importance of not allowing the order to succumb to the forces of ambition.
The Philippines reiterated its dedication to collaborating with all to promote an international order while upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
President Marcos made it clear that the Philippines seeks no conflict but will defend its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction in the South China Sea. He rejected narratives that reduce the South China Sea disputes to a competition between nations, denying independence and interests.
Calling for self-restraint in activities that complicate regional disputes and jeopardize peace and stability, Marcos urged actions over words as the true measure of commitment to securing peace. He sought support for the operationalization of practical measures, such as the ADMM Guidelines for Maritime Interaction, and highlighted the Philippines' role in hosting the 2nd ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) and the 40th Meeting of the JWG-DOC2 in Manila, aimed at expediting negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.
President Marcos also stressed the need for ASEAN to leverage its regional architecture as a diplomatic bridge for promoting mutual understanding, strategic trust, and peaceful dispute resolution. He issued a warning, expressing concerns that escalating tensions and mistrust among powers could lead to miscalculations, potentially engulfing the region with consequences for all stakeholders.
President Marcos delivered a message, "History will judge whether the rule of law prevails, ushering in an era where all stand truly as equals, independent and unswayed by any power."
He stressed the importance of not allowing the order to succumb to the forces of ambition.
The Philippines reiterated its dedication to collaborating with all to promote an international order while upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
President Marcos made it clear that the Philippines seeks no conflict but will defend its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction in the South China Sea. He rejected narratives that reduce the South China Sea disputes to a competition between nations, denying independence and interests.
Calling for self-restraint in activities that complicate regional disputes and jeopardize peace and stability, Marcos urged actions over words as the true measure of commitment to securing peace. He sought support for the operationalization of practical measures, such as the ADMM Guidelines for Maritime Interaction, and highlighted the Philippines' role in hosting the 2nd ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) and the 40th Meeting of the JWG-DOC2 in Manila, aimed at expediting negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.
President Marcos also stressed the need for ASEAN to leverage its regional architecture as a diplomatic bridge for promoting mutual understanding, strategic trust, and peaceful dispute resolution. He issued a warning, expressing concerns that escalating tensions and mistrust among powers could lead to miscalculations, potentially engulfing the region with consequences for all stakeholders.
Sep 6, 2023
