Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told other ASEAN leaders that the dream to make the South China Sea an area of peace and stability is still “a distant reality” amid unresolved territorial disputes.
“Our vision for the South China Sea, is a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity. Today, sadly, this remains a distant reality,” he said Tuesday during the 43rd ASEAN Summit Retreat Session in Indonesia.Marcos also lambasted “misleading narratives” that the tensions in the disputed waters were only about the competition “between two powerful countries.”In July, China claimed that the US government was the “mastermind” behind issues in the South China Sea—an allegation that was refuted by the latter.
The Philippine president reiterated his administration’s stance about strengthening its cooperation with all countries, as well as pushing for the peaceful resolution of any conflict in the contested waterways.
“We will continue to uphold, and exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, in accordance with international law, including of course, the 1982 UNCLOS,” Marcos said.“Let me be clear, we do not seek conflict. But it is our duty as citizens and as leaders, to always rise and meet any challenge to our sovereignty, to our sovereign rights, and our maritime jurisdiction in the South China Sea. No country would expect any less. No country would do any less,” he added.Marcos sought the support of his counterparts in implementing “practical measures,” including the ADMM Guidelines for Maritime Interaction, which targets to promote mutual trust in defense and security challenges.“It is imperative that we leverage the ASEAN regional architecture to serve as a diplomatic bridge that promises mutual understanding, strategic trust, and peaceful settlement of disputes,” he said.
