Philippines calls for action on South China Sea during ASEAN meeting

The Philippines has called for urgent action in addressing the South China Sea dispute, describing it as a “strategic challenge” that requires immediate attention, as tensions with China continue to escalate.

Speaking during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-East Asia Summit on October 11 in Lao PDR, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr emphasized that all parties must take the issue seriously and work toward reducing tensions in the region.

“I believe we all recognize that the South China Sea is a strategic challenge that cannot be readily solved. Parties must be conscientious and earnest in addressing this most consequential issue. We must all remain open so as to seriously manage differences and reduce tensions,” Marcos Jr said.

Despite some positive developments in the Philippines, Marcos Jr expressed his frustration that the overall situation in the South China Sea remains unchanged. “Though positive developments have occurred recently in my country, it is regrettable that it has not changed the overall situation in the South China Sea; tensions remain.”

Marcos Jr did not shy away from addressing China’s aggressive actions in the region, pointing to a specific incident in August at Escoda Shoal. He said the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua was “intentionally” rammed.

Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, serves as a key location for Philippine vessels headed to Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal).

“On three separate occasions, around a week apart, vessels illegally blasted horns, used water cannons, and rammed Philippine vessels,” Marcos Jr said.

In addition, Marcos Jr highlighted China’s increasingly bold tactics, including the use of guided-missile ships to target Philippine civilian fisheries vessels and aircraft with lasers.

“More recently, our civilian fisheries vessels and aircraft were targeted by lasers and subjected to intimidation by guided-missile ships,” he said, emphasizing that “These kinds of behavior cannot be ignored and demand of us concerted and serious efforts to truly manage our disputes in the South China Sea.”

While the Philippines has filed numerous diplomatic protests against China, Marcos Jr stressed the need for stronger measures to counter aggressive actions.

Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr (center).

Slow progress on ASEAN-China code of conduct

Another key point in Marcos’ remarks was his criticism of the slow progress in negotiating the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.

According to Marcos Jr, the delays in the negotiation process have prevented meaningful discussions on important issues.

“The slow pace of the negotiations of the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct has deterred us from discussing core elements of the COC,” he said, adding that “We need to hasten the process of negotiations as the risks of miscalculation and escalation of tension continue to increase.” 

He urged both ASEAN member states and China to accelerate COC negotiations to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said: “China will continue to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, actively advance the consultations of the code of conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.”

However, despite these assurances, tensions remain high as China continues to assert its territorial claims over nearly all of the South China Sea, a critical global waterway through which more than US$3 trillion in goods flow annually. China uses aggressive tactics, leading to violent confrontations.

The Philippines, along with Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, hold competing claims in the region. The Philippines designates parts of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone as the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

U.S. condemns China’s actions

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also condemned China’s “increasingly dangerous” actions in the South and East China Seas.

“We remain concerned about China’s increasingly dangerous and unlawful actions in the South and East China Seas, which have injured people, harmed vessels from ASEAN nations, and contradict commitments to peaceful resolution of disputes,” Blinken said during his remarks to Southeast Asian leaders in Lao PDR.

Speaking at the ASEAN Summit on October 11, Blinken emphasized Washington’s unwavering commitment to supporting freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific. “The United States will continue to support freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight in the Indo-Pacific,” he declared.

Blinken’s comments came after Marcos Jr called for ASEAN member states and China to expedite negotiations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct.

“In our view, there should be more urgency in the pace of the negotiations of the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct,” Marcos Jr said during the 27th ASEAN-China Summit in Laos on October 10.

“We continue to be subjected to harassment and intimidation,” he added.

Marcos Jr’s comments were made during a meeting between ASEAN leaders and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, in which the focus was on addressing the escalating tensions in the resource-rich region.

Reaffirming the U.S. position on maritime security, Blinken also raised concerns about rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, urging joint efforts to maintain stability in the area.

He expressed hope that ASEAN leaders would collaborate to address the growing threats posed by China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

Philippines’ defense chief doubts China’s sincerity

Meanwhile, Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro voiced doubts about China’s commitment to negotiating a regional Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, although he expressed a willingness to continue discussions.

Teodoro explained that while Marcos Jr had approved “good-faith discussions” with China regarding the long-delayed code, he remained skeptical of Beijing’s intentions.

“Right now, honestly speaking, I do not see that,” Teodoro told reporters on October 14.

“If they are committed to dialogue, it should be believable. Then they have another colatilla saying that they are committed based on historical facts. What kind of dialogue is that? It is just a monologue that only they believe. So, we are also committed to dialogue as long as we know we are not being deceived,” he explained.

Southeast Asian leaders call for swift agreement

In response to the escalating confrontations in the South China Sea, Southeast Asian leaders renewed their calls for swift agreement on a Code of Conduct based on international law.

The proposed maritime code, which could help prevent confrontations and avoid conflict in the region, has been discussed for years, yet talks led by ASEAN have made slow progress.

China continues to claim sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea. The Philippines, in particular, has raised multiple complaints about Chinese vessels using water cannons, collisions, and ramming tactics to disrupt resupply and patrol missions in disputed waters.

As the ASEAN Summit concluded, the spotlight remained on the South China Sea, where the Philippines and its regional allies are pushing for concrete actions to ensure peace and stability amid rising tensions with China.

All photos credit: Philippine Presidential Communications Office

Top photo: Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr (center).

The best maritime news and insights delivered to you.

subscribe maritime fairtrade

Here's what you can expect from us:

  • Event offers and discounts
  • News & key insights of the maritime industry
  • Expert analysis and opinions on corruption and more