Marcos: South China Sea a 'strategic challenge' that cannot be readily solved

VIENTIANE — President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has deemed the South China Sea issue as a ''strategic challenge that cannot be readily solved'' amid the continuing tensions in the region.

''I believe we all recognize that the South China Sea is a strategic challenge that cannot be readily solved. Parties have to be conscientious and earnest concerning this most consequential issue. We must all remain open so as to seriously manage differences and reduce tensions,'' Marcos said during the ASEAN-East Asia Summit on Friday.

''Though positive developments have occurred recently in my country, it is regrettable that it has not changed the overall situation in the South China Sea, tensions remain,'' he added.

Marcos cited Chinese aggression in the resource-rich region, particularly the August incident in Escoda Shoal. To recall, the Philippine government reported that a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel had "intentionally" and repeatedly rammed the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua in the area.

Escoda Shoal, also called Sabina Shoal, is a coral reef formation with a central lagoon surrounded by discontinuous shallow sections. It is a rendezvous point for Philippine vessels headed to the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal).

Further, Marcos said the Philippines' civilian fisheries vessels and aircraft were targeted by lasers and subjected to intimidation by guide-missile ships.

''These kinds of behavior cannot be ignored, and demand our concerted and serious efforts to truly manage our disputes in the South China Sea,'' Marcos said.

More than filing diplomatic protests, Marcos earlier said the Philippine government has to do more in calling out China for its actions.

''The slow pace of the negotiations of the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) has deterred us from discussing core elements of the COC,'' he added.

The Chief Executive earlier called for the fast-tracking of the ASEAN-China COC to advance meaningful progress amid China's aggression in the region.

''We need to hasten the process of negotiations as the risks of miscalculation and escalation of tension continue to increase,'' Marcos said.

China, for its part, has said that it will continue to advance the consultations for the Code of Conduct (COC).

“China will continue to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, actively advance the consultations of the code of conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

Tension continues in the region amid Beijing's claims in almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The Philippines refers to portions of the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea (WPS). — RSJ, GMA Integrated News