Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday opened the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) as the incoming ASEAN chair, calling for restraint, constructive diplomacy, and adherence to international law amid global and regional tensions, from the Middle East conflict to the continuing incidents in the West Philippine Sea.
Speaking before fellow leaders, President Marcos said the EAS remains an essential platform for dialogue and cooperation as nations face “rapidly changing times” that threaten peace and stability.
“There is the pressing need to have sincere efforts towards constructive diplomacy, coupled with restraint, de-escalation, and respect for international law,” he said.
President Marcos expressed support for the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan, brokered through efforts by the United States and regional partners.
He said the agreement between Hamas and Israel represents “a monumental step towards de-escalation” and a renewed hope for long-term peace in the region.
“The Philippines looks forward to its full and effective implementation, with the end in view of realizing the two-state solution,” Mr. Marcos said, referring to the vision of two independent states, Israel and Palestine, coexisting side by side.
The president emphasized that stability in the Middle East directly affects Filipinos, noting that around 2 million Filipinos live and work there, while thousands of Filipino seafarers traverse its waters.
Turning to the South China Sea, Mr. Marcos expressed regret over what he described as “dangerous maneuvers” and “coercive use of tools and equipment” by China in the West Philippine Sea that endanger Filipino lives and vessels.
He denounced Beijing’s recent declaration of a “National Nature Reserve” in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, calling it a violation of Philippine sovereignty and international law.
“We strongly protested such a declaration,” Mr. Marcos said. “Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding and integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction.”
President Marcos said only the Philippines has the authority to designate environmental protection areas within its territory and maritime zones, as guaranteed by the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea.
Despite these tensions, President Marcos reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to diplomacy and to working toward a “substantive and effective” Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that aligns with international law.
He noted that the Philippines had successfully completed 10 rotation and resupply missions to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal since July 2024, saying the operations demonstrate that “diplomacy and dialogue can ease tensions, provided that commitments are honored and translated into sincere action.”
As the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, Marcos said the country remains “firm, calm, and resolute” in upholding its sovereignty while promoting peace and cooperation in the region.
“We look forward to working with you in these critical times,” Mr. Marcos said in closing.
The East Asia Summit gathers leaders from 18 countries, including the 10 ASEAN member states and dialogue partners such as China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia.
