President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. brought the issue of China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) before regional and global leaders attending the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
Speaking at the 13th ASEAN-US Summit, attended by United States President Donald Trump, Marcos reported China’s dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels and the blocking of legitimate routine activities within the country’s maritime zones and airspace — actions that endanger Filipino ships and aircraft.
The President also cited China’s persistent claim over the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) and its harassment of Filipino fishermen operating in Philippine waters.
“On the South China Sea, it is regrettable that incidents continue to occur in the West Philippine Sea which endanger the lives of Philippine personnel and compromise the safety of our vessels and aircrafts,” Marcos said.
Marcos emphasized that China’s actions violate the Philippines’ sovereignty and the fishing rights of Filipinos as guaranteed under international law.
Despite the provocations, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to remain firm, calm, and determined in pursuing the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and to work towards a productive and binding Code of Conduct consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).