President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged stronger maritime cooperation among Southeast Asian nations amid China’s continued aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, during the 13th ASEAN–US Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Without directly naming China, Marcos raised concern over “dangerous maneuvers and coercive actions” that disrupt legitimate Philippine activities and endanger regional peace.
He denounced plans to establish a so-called “nature reserve” in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), calling it a violation of Philippine sovereignty and the 2016 arbitral ruling that upheld the country’s maritime rights.
The President reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the pursuit of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct under international law.
He also thanked the United States for its continued partnership in promoting maritime security and capacity-building efforts in the ASEAN region.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 28, 2025
