President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he remains firm on pushing for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, calling it essential to easing tensions and avoiding further conflict in the region.
“I always push the Code of Conduct. Always,” President Marcos told reporters in a media interview.
“It’s critical to everything that’s happening,” he added.
He said the goal is to establish clear rules that all parties, especially those with overlapping claims, can follow.
The code would also include ways to resolve disputes and de-escalate incidents before they get worse.
“If you have a Code of Conduct, it’s like a freeze-frame. We say, ‘Okay, let’s stop here, don’t let this get worse, and let’s talk,’” he said.
“It’s not just the Philippines. Everyone in ASEAN, and even across Asia, agrees this is necessary,” the president added.
The Code of Conduct, a long-discussed agreement between ASEAN countries and China, aims to manage tensions in the South China Sea, where China’s sweeping claims continue to clash with the rights of other Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines.
President Marcos also shared a brief, informal exchange he had with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a lunch event.
He said it wasn’t an official meeting, but he took the opportunity to ask about China’s recent move to adjust its tariff schedule.
“I was just curious to hear what they really think, beyond the official statements we see on TV,” Mr. Marcos said.
“The Premier said they don’t want this to continue — that it’s not good for anyone,” he added.
While they didn’t discuss the West Philippine Sea or specific maritime issues, Marcos said he appreciated hearing a more candid view from the Chinese side.
“I think it’s sincere. They don’t want this situation to drag on. They want to return to normal,” he said.
