‘ASEAN must uphold int’l law’

PBBM makes push for rules-based system amid SCS tensions

By Vince Lopez

LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia—The Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) must take decisive and responsive action and be “the master of its future” on geopolitical issues concerning the region, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday as he urged the bloc to “double its efforts” when it comes to upholding international law.

ASEAN navies, in a meeting in Manila, have agreed to craft their first joint maritime guidelines on distances to be maintained, among others, to avoid collisions. The guidelines are separate from the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea that is still under negotiation between ASEAN and China.

Mr. Marcos made the call during the opening of the plenary session, a day after saying he would continue to push for the completion of the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea during the 42nd edition of the ASEAN Summit.

“In order to harness the potential of our region, I believe that ASEAN must double its efforts especially in these following priority areas: first, ASEAN should uphold international law and the international rules based system which has underpinned the peace, security, stability, and prosperity of our region,” said Mr. Marcos who is scheduled to return to Manila tonight (Thursday evening).