Marcos to Tackle US Tariffs, SCS at ASEAN Summit

President Marcos departed yesterday for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, where he is expected to reiterate the Philippines' commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea and work on a common position on US President Donald Trump's new tariff regime.

- By HELEN FLORES

Leaders of the 10-member regional bloc are expected to explore a collective response to the Trump administration's tariff policy during the two-day summit, which starts today.

Several countries, including the US, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, have condemned China's latest water cannon attacks and other acts of aggression against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

Last week, China Coast Guard and militia vessels shadowed and sideswiped Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' scientific research vessels in the area of the Pag-asa Cays, which is within the country's territorial waters. The National Maritime Council condemned the latest Chinese' provocation at sea.

"But I will continue to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, an inclusive, and rules-based international order, and for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law," Marcos said in his departure speech delivered at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Joining the President on his trip—his 33rd foreign trip since assuming office in 2022—were First Lady Liza Marcos, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Presidential Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz, and Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Tereso Magno.