ON THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Asked by Forbes about the South China Sea and progress on the code of conduct that ASEAN and China are working towards, Marcos said parties are making “good progress” on the code but did not provide further updates on the negotiations.
Since the 1990s, ASEAN and China have been trying to negotiate a framework to manage disputes in the South China Sea. China claims much of the waterway via its nine-dash line and has overlapping claims with the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.
The Philippines had said it aimed to advance the long-delayed code of conduct when it assumed the ASEAN chairmanship this year.
“We must maintain the freedom of navigation, not only for ourselves but also for the rest of the world. And so, the code of conduct takes on that very particular importance, and that is why we still continue to be optimistic,” said Marcos.
Philippine and Chinese armed forces have had confrontations in the disputed waters. On Oct 4, the Philippine Coast Guard said Chinese vessels obstructed a Philippine law enforcement operation against a foreign fishing vessel suspected of dynamite fishing near the Manila-held Thitu Island in the South China Sea.
At the dialogue, Marcos expressed his concern that a mistake by personnel on the ground may lead to something “that goes out of control”.
“But we are determined to come to an agreement and to hopefully de-escalate the situation,” he said.
Marcos is on his fifth visit to Singapore from Oct 7 to 11 at the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Both leaders are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments, and Marcos has also been invited to attend the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix from Oct 9 to 11.