PBBM to push anew for ASEAN-China sea code

President Marcos is expected to push for the speedy conclusion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China Code of Conduct (COC) of the South China Sea during his participation at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next week.

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Marcos will follow through on his call to ASEAN member states to fast-track the Code of Conduct, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial said on Thursday, May 22.

"Back in 2023 the foreign ministers of ASEAN agreed to fast track the discussions on the COC and this is what we are backing on during the summits," Imperial said in a Palace briefing.

"The President certainly will push for it, he will raise this with the leaders of the ASEAN and going back to that statement, it's a reaffirmation of concluding it hopefully among ASEAN and China. In three years since 2023, we're looking at 2026, next year," he added.

The President will be participating in the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from May 26 to 27 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who serves as this year's ASEAN chair.

He will also be attending the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit in the ASEANGulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit.