Philippine President Calls on ASEAN to Unite Against China

By Lexi Dean

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Laos this past week to discuss economic, political, and security development. Representatives and leaders attending this summit examined regional concerns such as the Myanmar civil war, cybersecurity capabilities, and free trade agreements. One of the major disputes concerning Southeast Asian nations is the growing tensions in the South China Sea over territorial claims. Negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea began in 2002 between China and ASEAN, but the formal process did not start until 2017. The slowness of the process to work towards an agreement sparks concerns that an eventual code of conduct may not be legally binding and that the conflict will escalate further. This ASEAN summit acted as a platform to emphasize respect for international law in the South China Sea. Chinese Premier Li Qiang claimed that China insists on resolving differences with other countries through dialogue and practical cooperation, but ASEAN member states as well as U.S. and Japanese representatives at the summit drew attention to China’s growing aggression.    

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos specifically called on “all ASEAN Member States not to turn a blind eye to the aggressive, coercive, and illegal actions of an external power” and that to remain strong, ASEAN must not be silent in response to these violations. In recent months, China has clashed with Philippine vessels over disputed reefs and the Spratly Islands. Vietnamese fishermen were attacked and robbed this month by the Paracel Islands by “Chinese law enforcement forces”.  China has also built artificial islands armed with defense missile systems and runways. Many Asian countries maintain strong economic relationships with China which may take part in influencing their stance against China on this topic. However, President Marcos emphasized the necessity of coming together on this issue of international maritime law and peace within the region. This summit was crucial is addressing increasing fears of escalation in the disputed Sea, and the Philippine President utilized this time to call on all nations to work towards a solution in defining territorial claims and creating a binding code of conduct for accountability in the region.