MARCOS TO RENEW PUSH FOR SEA CODE AT ASEAN SUMMIT IN KUALA LUMPUR

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will push for renewed progress on the long-delayed South China Sea code of conduct at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur next week.

The Philippines has long advocated for a binding agreement to manage tensions in the disputed waters, where China’s nine-dash line overlaps with ASEAN countries’ maritime zones.

Despite political commitments from China and ASEAN members to finalize the code by 2026, negotiations have stalled due to disagreements over its scope.

During the summit, Marcos is also expected to emphasize the Philippines’ sovereignty and rights under international law and engage in several high-level bilateral meetings.

The ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council summit will produce multiple outcome documents, and Marcos will participate in nine key engagements from May 26 to 27.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 23, 2025