Intervention by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the 20th East Asia Summit
Your Majesty, Excellencies,
At the outset, may I share that I am honored to open this year’s East Asia Summit (EAS) as incoming ASEAN Chair. The 20th anniversary
is a milestone achievement of our continued dialogue, discussion, and cooperation on issues vital to our region.
Your Majesty, Excellencies,
The rapidly changing times remind us of how tenuous peace and stability is in our global community.
Now, more than ever, platforms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) provide the forum we need as we navigate the challenges confronting the region and beyond.
There is the pressing need to have sincere efforts towards constructive diplomacy, coupled with restraint, de-escalation, and
respect for international law.
In our increasingly interconnected world, conflicts could threaten regional and international peace and security.
On the situation in the Middle East, the Philippines welcomes the agreement reached between Hamas and Israel on the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan and appreciates the efforts of the United States,
in coordination with countries in the region, to bring this to fruition.
We look forward to its full and effective implementation, with the end in view of realizing the two-state solution, which envisions a future where two independent states, Israel and Palestine, coexist side-by-side, each with recognized and secure borders.
The peace plan represents a monumental step towards de-escalation and breathes fresh hope for all those affected in the region, especially the hostages and the people in Gaza.
The Philippines hopes this initial step will usher in long-term peace and stability in the region, where 2 million Filipinos live and thousands of seafarers sail through.
Finally, 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 aircrafts.
These incidents include dangerous maneuvers and the coercive use of tools and equipment to interfere with or obstruct legitimate and routine Philippine activities in our own maritime zones and airspace, as guaranteed under international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
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.
This commitment is shared throughout all levels of the government, which desires to conclude 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.
The ten (10) successful rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal since July 2024 show that
diplomacy and 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.
Your Majesty, Excellencies,
Congratulations again on this milestone for the East Asia Summit. We look forward to working with you in these critical times.
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