Marcos on acceleration of ASEAN-China Code of Conduct talks:  Onus now on Beijing

VIENTIANE - President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Friday that the ball is now on China to elevate discussions on the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct. 

“I think the onus is now on China to accelerate those talks. ASEAN has been waiting for a long time,” Marcos told the Philippine media delegation. 

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. 

Marcos said, “whatever happens, we will maintain that presence.” 

“Because it is important to show to the world and our people that we are in the business of protecting our sovereignty. We are in the business of maintaining our --- of protecting our territorial imperatives. We are insisting on exercising our sovereign rights,” Marcos said. —LDF, GMA Integrated News