Premier of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang speaks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Photo from MEDIA CENTER KTT ASEAN 2023/M Agung Rajasa/pras
JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directly told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that Philippines will assert its sovereign rights in territorial disputes in South China Sea.
This position is based on the definition of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
During the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit (Asean), Marcos expressed gratitude towards China for its cooperation with the Asean, saying that it has helped the region grow.
However, that growth can only be made possible with peace.
“We must emphasize that practical cooperation in the maritime domain can only flourish with an enabling environment of regional peace, security, and stability anchored in international law,” Marcos told Asean leader that included Li Qiang.
“The Philippines, therefore, continues to uphold the primacy of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the framework within which all activities in the seas and oceans are conducted,” the Chief Executive emphasized.
“We once again reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes,” he stressed.
Marcos reminded Li and the Asean leaders that Philippines had just hosted the last negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in South China Sea in Manila.
He said progress was achieved as a result of the event.
“The early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 Unclos, remains the goal for Asean and for China,” said Marcos.
On Tuesday evening, Marcos also maintained Philippines’ sovereign rights amid escalating tensions in South China Sea.
The Philippine leader vowed to work with other governments in Southeast Asia towards a peaceful resolution on the sea dispute.
Philippines exercises territorial rights over West Philippine Sea.
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