SINGAPORE --- The Philippines and Singapore are one in calling all parties involved to work together to complete the much-awaited South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) to ensure peace and stability in the region.
In their close-in meeting on Wednesday, September 7, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong exchanged views on key regional and international developments, including the South China Sea issue.
Marcos was in Singapore from September 6 to 7 for a State Visit.
In a joint statement issued by both governments, the two leaders reiterated the region's consistent position on the South China Sea.
Marcos and Lee underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and conducting substantive negotiations towards the conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
The COC would safeguard the rights and interests of all parties in the South China Sea.
"They emphasized the need to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the COC negotiations," the joint statement read.
Both leaders also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight in and above the disputed waters, and peaceful resolution of disputes without resorting to threat or use of force, per international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The UNCLOS provides the legal framework within which all ocean and sea activities must be carried out.
Both Marcos and Lee likewise expressed support for meaningful activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the DOC in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of 1982 UNCLOS this year.
The Philippines, China, Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam all have claims in the South China Sea.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China's massive claims on the disputed waters.
Strengthening ASEAN
The two leaders likewise emphasized the importance of strengthening the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) centrality and unity, deepening regional economic integration through digital transformation, and upholding rules-based multilateralism to promote peace and stability in the region.
"They committed to continue pursuing close coordination and mutual support at international and regional fora, particularly in ASEAN and other ASEAN-led mechanisms," the statement read.
Myanmar
Meanwhile, President Marcos and Prime Minister Lee expressed deep concern about the situation in Myanmar, including the prolonged political crisis and the recent execution of four opposition activists.
In their joint statement, the Leaders called for the release of all political detainees, including President U Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and foreign detainees.
Marcos and Lee called for Myanmar to avoid actions damaging eventual national reconciliation in Myanmar. They also expressed deep disappointment at the limited progress and lack of commitment of the military authorities to the timely and complete implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. This includes the lack of cooperation by the Myanmar military authorities to facilitate the ASEAN Special Envoy to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties concerned.
Despite this, the Leaders reiterated their support for multilateral and UN engagement in Myanmar, including the work of the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on Myanmar. They called for UN representatives and agencies to be granted full access to Myanmar.
"The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ASEAN's efforts in alleviating the humanitarian situation in Myanmar," the joint statement read.
"The Leaders expressed support for ASEAN's active role in assisting Myanmar, an integral member of the ASEAN Family, to overcome the current crisis and to return to the path of democratization," it furthered.
Ukraine
Meanwhile, Marcos and Lee "strongly urged" all parties to exert every effort, utilizing diplomatic and peaceful means, to maintain international peace and security, and avert the further worsening of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.