Vientiane, Lao PDR
October 11, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined his fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders, including Timor-Leste as an observer and eight (8) External Partners, for the 19th East Asia Summit at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR).

During his intervention, the President emphasized the need to address the South China Sea (SCS) issue to manage differences and reduce tensions, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to manage these disputes. He called for expedited negotiations for a binding ASEAN-China Code of Conduct to prevent escalation. Additionally, he proposed incorporating SCS-related initiatives into the East Asia Summit, such as enhancing maritime domain awareness and establishing clear navigation rules.

President Marcos Jr. reinforced the importance of multilateralism based on a rules-based international order to ensure sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of disputes to foster peace for future generations.

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