By Brian Campued
The Philippines is in the process of putting together the different elements where it believes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should focus on next year, with Manila’s leadership to prioritize peace, security, and cooperation among member states and dialogue partners.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made the assurance as the Philippines assumes the chairship of the 11-nation bloc, stressing that the country is fully capable and ready to host the biannual summit, particularly in terms of logistics and infrastructure.
Recognizing how big and important the ASEAN Summit is, the President expressed his optimism for the opportunities that come with steering the regional bloc towards the right direction amid global headwinds.
“When you are the Chair of ASEAN, you lead. And that is what we are ready to do because we have a very, very good idea of what the elements are that we feel need to be part of the discussions of ASEAN during our Chairship,” Marcos said during the Kapihan with the Media in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.
Among the areas of discussion that ASEAN will be focusing on next year is the South China Sea (SCS) Code of Conduct (COC), which aims to establish rules for behavior in the disputed waters to prevent escalation and promote stability.
“So one of the things is the COC, for example. Number one para sa atin. The other member states, that’s not as a big priority to them as it is to us. So, this is our chance to really promote that and to highlight that, and hopefully we will succeed,” Marcos said.
Assuming the negotiators finish the talks for the crafting of the SCS COC by 2026, the President said he would “certainly” invite Chinese President Xi Jinping to Manila as this would signal that “we have made significant progress” in engaging China.
Regardless of the Philippines’ firm stand on calling out provocative and dangerous actions in the West Philippine Sea, which put the lives of Filipino fisherfolk and vessels at risk, Marcos Jr. maintained that the government is working to “redefine” its partnership with China.
“I continue to find ways to redefine our relationship with China. I really believe that the way forward is to change,” he said, citing other possible areas of cooperation, such as trade.
Before concluding the media interview, the President was also asked about what image the Philippines intends to project as ASEAN chair in 2026—to which, he replied: “chill and hospitable”.
This echoes the social media characterization of the Philippines as the “chill dude” member of ASEAN, reflecting the Filipino people’s well-known values of hospitality and friendliness.
“I’m glad that ang starting point natin, ang tingin sa Pilipino ay ‘yon na nga ‘chill’ at madaling kausap. That’s a big help pagka you’re trying to find consensus,” he noted.
“We will present always the best possible side so that we are met with the most possible successes,” the Chief Executive added.
-jpv
