KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. detailed the challenges faced by the Philippines in the South China Sea when he engaged with United States and East Asian leaders during their respective summits.

“On the South China Sea, it is regrettable that incidents continue to occur in the West Philippine Sea, endangering the lives of Filipinos and the safety of our vessels and aircraft,” he said.

Marcos said the incidents include dangerous maneuvers and the coercive use of tools and equipment that interfere with routine activities in the maritime zones of the Philippines and airspace, as guaranteed under international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

BBM hits ‘National Nature Reserve’

In carefully worded remarks, Marcos criticized China over its declaration of the “National Nature Reserve” in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.

“We strongly protested such a declaration. Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding and integral part of the Philippines, over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction,” he said.

The President upheld the Philippines’ exclusive authority in establishing protection areas over the country and its relevant maritime zones.

“The establishment of the so-called ‘nature reserve’ violates the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal, impairs the traditional fishing rights of our fisherfolk, and contravenes international law—particularly the 1982 UNCLOS, the final and binding 2016 Award on the South China Sea Arbitration, and relevant domestic laws,” he said.

“These incidents notwithstanding, the Philippines will continue to remain firm, calm, and resolute in its commitment to the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to achieving productive negotiations towards a Code of Conduct that is effective, substantive, and aligns with international law, particularly UNCLOS,” he added.

Phl notes commitment

Marcos noted the commitment of the entire Philippine government to having an effective and substantive Code of Conduct “that can effectively govern the behavior of parties at sea.”

“We will continue to uphold our sovereignty, rights, and jurisdiction as we engage constructively to manage differences,” he said.

He emphasized that successful rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin since July 2024 show that dialogue can ease tensions, provided that commitments are honored and translated into sincere action from both sides.

“We look forward to the adoption of the EAS Statements and the continuing cooperation and commitment across the three pillars between us and our EAS partners,” he said.