KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for restraint and renewed cooperation between ASEAN and China as he joined regional leaders Tuesday for the signing of the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0. Later, he held bilateral talks with Vietnam.

The upgraded ACFTA aims to expand economic ties into emerging sectors such as digital trade, green economy, supply chain resilience, and MSME support — signaling a deeper ASEAN-China partnership built on two decades of trade growth.

In the 28th ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to diplomacy and adherence to international law in the South China Sea. He urged “self-restraint on everyone’s part,” warning that provocative actions threaten regional peace.

“The Philippines stands ready to work with ASEAN and China to translate our commitments into meaningful outcomes,” he said. “But cooperation cannot exist alongside coercion.”

The President proposed joint efforts in ocean meteorology, maritime safety, and marine biodiversity protection under the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, as well as mechanisms ensuring fisherfolk have access to traditional grounds.

Marcos also denounced China’s unilateral “marine protection zones” in the disputed waters, saying such moves “violate Philippine sovereignty and international law.”

Despite the continued harassment of Filipino vessels, Marcos said Manila remains committed to “diplomacy and dialogue,” citing a provisional understanding with China that allowed 10 peaceful resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

On the sidelines of the summit, Marcos met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to reaffirm their strategic partnership, with discussions on trade, security, and agricultural cooperation. He also thanked Vietnam for its continued supply of rice during El Niño-related shortages.

As the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026, Marcos vowed to promote regional peace, sustainable growth, and rules-based cooperation.

Marcos calls for regional cooperation

The President called on the leaders of Japan, South Korea and China to strengthen their collaboration and “redouble efforts” in tackling shared regional challenges through inclusive and results-oriented initiatives.

Speaking at the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Marcos urged deeper cooperation amid global uncertainties, particularly in combating human trafficking, boosting MSMEs, and enhancing disaster resilience.

He proposed aligning regional anti-trafficking programs with the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons and welcomed the upgraded Chiang Mai Initiative, which enhances financial safety nets through a new Rapid Financing Facility.