Philippines Denounces China's 'Dangerous Maneuvers' in South China Sea at ASEAN Summit

President Marcos Jr. Addresses Regional Leaders on South China Sea Tensions

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a strong rebuke against what he described as 'dangerous maneuvers' and 'coercive actions' in the South China Sea during the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related leaders' meetings held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. While not explicitly naming China, his remarks were widely understood to be directed at Beijing's activities in the disputed waters, particularly within the area Manila refers to as the West Philippine Sea.

Speaking at various forums, including the 13th ASEAN-US Summit, the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit, and the 20th ASEAN-East Asia Summit, President Marcos Jr. highlighted incidents that have reportedly endangered the lives of Philippine personnel and the safety of its vessels and aircraft. He emphasized that these actions interfere with legitimate Philippine activities in its maritime zones and airspace. The President's statements underscored Manila's growing frustration with persistent incidents in the contested region. He also reiterated these concerns in front of Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the East Asia Summit.

Specific Concerns and Legal Stance

Among the specific actions denounced by President Marcos Jr. were reports of Chinese Coast Guard vessels firing water cannons, shadowing Philippine resupply boats, and blocking access to traditional fishing grounds. A significant point of his condemnation was China's unilateral declaration of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, as a 'nature reserve'. Manila views this as an 'illegitimate and unlawful' act that infringes upon its sovereignty and traditional fishing rights.

The Philippine leader firmly asserted that these actions violate international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award. This arbitral ruling, issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, invalidated China's expansive claims over the South China Sea. President Marcos Jr. called for adherence to a rules-based international order and urged for an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) to manage tensions in the vital waterway.

China's Counter-Claims and Ongoing Tensions

In response to the Philippines' assertions, China has consistently maintained its sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by the Philippines. Beijing has condemned Manila's actions, accusing Philippine vessels of 'illegal intrusions' and 'infringements' in what it considers its territorial waters. Chinese officials have also characterized the Philippines' diplomatic efforts as 'victimhood diplomacy' and attempts to stage provocations to garner international sympathy and involve other nations, particularly the United States.

Recent months have seen escalating confrontations, with both sides trading accusations over incidents involving vessels near disputed features like Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. China has also criticized the Philippines for enacting domestic laws, such as the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which Beijing claims infringe upon its maritime rights. The ongoing dispute continues to be a significant source of regional instability, with both nations reaffirming their respective positions on sovereignty and international law.