By Brian Campued
Citing the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel as well as the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the broader South China Sea, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the “pressing need” for diplomacy and restraint in addressing regional and international disputes.
At the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) on Monday, one of the related summits in the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the President stressed that “conflicts could threaten regional and international peace and security.”
Marcos also mentioned the continuing incidents in the WPS that endanger the lives of Filipino fisherfolk and troops but reiterated that the Philippines would continue to uphold the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the SCS and to push for a Code of Conduct aligned with international law.
He noted that the 10 successful rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal since July last year have shown how diplomacy and dialogue could ease tensions as long as commitments from both sides are honored.
“We will continue to uphold our sovereignty, rights, and jurisdiction as we engage constructively to manage differences.”
The Chief Executive also welcomed the United States-brokered Gaza Peace Plan, expressing optimism that this will lead to long-term peace and stability in the region.
“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.”
At the 28th ASEAN–Japan Summit, Marcos Jr. also raised concern over the continued ballistic missile launches in the Korean peninsula, urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to cease said activities, abide by all international obligations, and commit to peaceful and constructive dialogue.
The President also raised with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae the urgent need to address pressing humanitarian concerns, including the long-standing issue of abduction of Japanese citizens, and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to supporting a just and lasting resolution to the matter.
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