Marcos discusses South China Sea issue at ASEAN Summits

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. confirmed on Wednesday that he discussed the South China Sea issue during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, emphasizing the Philippines' adherence to international law.

When asked by Philippine media about specific details, Marcos said he adhered to the principle of upholding the rule of law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), reiterating his commitment to addressing disputes with China through legal means.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) released a statement indicating that Marcos highlighted the Philippines' adherence to the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award in its efforts to manage tensions with China.

Tensions remain high as China claims almost all of the South China Sea, which is a vital shipping route for over $3 trillion in annual trade, while the Philippines disputes parts of this maritime area that Beijing claims.

In 2016, an international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, stating that China's claims had no legal basis under international law; however, China has not recognized this decision and continues to militarize disputed waters within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding Philippine territory and said more details would be discussed in the coming days as he attends the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane.