Philippines Advocacy 'Based On Rules' In South China Sea

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and first lady Louise Marcos walked out of the plane upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Monday (4/9/2023). BETWEEN PHOTOS/Media Center of the ASEAN 2023 Summit/Harviyan Perdana Putra/hp.

JAKARTA - The Philippines said it would advocate a "regulation-based international order" in the disputed South China Sea at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) annual peak meeting.

"My participation will highlight our advocacy in encouraging regulatory-based international order, including in the South China Sea, strengthening food security, calling for climate justice," said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila before leaving for Jakarta to attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit reported by ANTARA, Monday, September 4.

Indonesia, which is currently the head of a regional block consisting of 10 countries, will host a summit on Monday to discuss developments and strengthen cooperation between blocs and their partners. Regional peace and political violence in junta-controlled Myanmar remain the main agenda.

Marcos said he would "use this opportunity to advance the Philippines' priorities in ASEAN and cooperate with other ASEAN member countries not only in overcoming complex challenges faced in the region, but also in pursuing opportunities for ASEAN as an 'epicentrum of growth'."

Several ASEAN member countries have maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea which is rich in minerals.

When Marcos left for Jakarta, the Philippines and the United States conducted bilateral maritime voyages in Philippine waters located west of Palawan.

In Jakarta, the ASEAN Summit began with a meeting of foreign ministers of ASEAN member countries.

Zambry Abd Kadir, Malaysia's Foreign Minister, said that the unity and harmony among member states was "very important, especially when ASEAN asserted itself to be the driver of a peaceful and stable region."

However, he expressed "big disappointment" over the extension of the state of emergency in Myanmar.

Underlining Myanmar's "prolonged political crisis", Zambry also expressed concern about the deteriorating economic situation, continued widespread violence, and limited humanitarian access in the country.