28th ASEAN-China Summit 10/28/2025

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia October 28, 2025 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to working closely with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to sustain stronger partnerships in areas of mutual cooperation, reiterating that these ties remain grounded in mutual respect for sovereign equality and adherence to international law. During the 28th ASEAN-China Summit, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the Philippines’ stand with ASEAN in achieving an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), one that is consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He encouraged fellow Leaders to pursue more cooperative activities within the framework of the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). One of these is scientific cooperation, which can be considered vital for ensuring maritime safety and managing the impacts on marine biodiversity in the high seas. This also includes cooperation that reduces the risk of incidents, where the President cited the unfortunate occurrence of ongoing dangerous actions and harassment faced by Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. He proposed mechanisms that would allow artisanal fisherfolk to access their traditional fishing grounds without interference or restrictions on activities in uninhabited features. Similarly, President Marcos Jr. upheld the country’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as an effective approach to asserting the nation’s rights and entitlements under international law. * * * Connect with RTVM Website: http://rtvm.gov.ph Facebook: www.facebook.com/presidentialcom and www.facebook.com/rtvmalacanang YouTube: @RTVMalacanang Tiktok: @RTVMalacanang