Marcos to push for fast adoption of South China Sea Code of Conduct

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to call on ASEAN leaders to fast-track the adoption of a binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 26–27, 2025.

The COC aims to reduce regional tensions and promote stability in disputed waters.

At a Malacañang press briefing Thursday, May 22, Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial said ASEAN foreign ministers had already agreed in 2023 to accelerate COC talks.

“This is what we are banking on during the summits. The President certainly will push for it. He will raise this with the leaders of the ASEAN,” said Imperial.

Marcos Jr. has repeatedly stressed the need for a binding COC to clarify maritime issues and prevent conflicts caused by misunderstandings or miscalculations.IMT