Frustrated over China? Marcos says it's an understatement

VIENTIANE - President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday said he feels more than just frustration with China contradicting its statements about its activities in the South China Sea.

Reporters asked Marcos if he feels frustrated that Beijing says one thing in conferences but does another at sea.

''That would be a bit of an understatement. It's much more than frustration because there's potential danger there so that's something we want to avoid,'' Marcos responded.

Earlier, Marcos urged ASEAN member states to fast-track the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct to achieve meaningful progress amid China's aggression in the South China Sea.

He said the “core elements of the COC, such as the milestone issues of geographic scope, the relationship between the COC and DOC, and its legal nature to this day remain outstanding.”

As Manila continues to be harassed by Chinese forces in the resource-rich region, Marcos pointed out that the Asian Superpower disregards international law and standards, with their hostilities being noticed by the international community. 

An earlier NHK report said the Philippine President had urged leaders of the ASEAN ''not to turn a blind eye to developments in the South China Sea.''

The Philippine media delegation tried to confirm this with no less than the Chief Executive, but he refused to provide information about the topics tackled during the closed-door session.

When asked about the matter, Manila's foreign minister Enrique Manalo only responded, ''can't confirm.'' 

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 recent attack made by Chinese forces was when their vessels fired water cannons at two ships of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Scarborough Shoal.

China maintained that the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard in that incident were “in accordance with the law, and the on-site operation is professional, standardized, legitimate and legal” as the Philippines allegedly “insisted” on invading their waters without Chinese permission.—LDF, GMA Integrated News