Marcos Jr. urges China, ASEAN to practice self-restraint in South China Sea

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged China and ASEAN leaders to practice self-restraint to preserve peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Speaking at the 28th ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos highlighted the escalating harassment and dangerous actions targeting Philippine vessels and aircraft in the disputed waters.

He warned that the failure to curb provocative actions would jeopardize the collective efforts to maintain regional peace and stability.

While not naming specific countries, Marcos alluded to incidents involving Chinese coast guard and militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea, where Filipino authorities and fishermen have faced dangerous maneuvers and water cannon use.

The President also criticized China's declaration of a 'nature reserve' at Scarborough Shoal, deeming such unilateral actions as complicating the situation in a vital trade route.