BANGKOK, Thailand — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will have a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today, Nov. 17, on the sidelines of the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM).
The President is expected to bring up the West Philippine Sea issue in the bilateral meeting.
Marcos has stated, even prior to his participation at the ASEAN Summits in Cambodia last week, that the issue will be on of the agenda if he meets with the Chinese president.
He stressed that it is impossible for him to talk to China without mentioning the maritime issue in the disputed waters.
During the ASEAN Summits, Marcos was expecting to meet the Chinese leader to take up the South China Sea issue. But it did not happen as Xi was represented by Premier Li Keqiang.
The chief executive pushed for the adoption of a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea during the summit in Cambodia, noting, however, that involved parties must first adopt a common view on the status quo.
He also renewed his call to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, security, stability and prosperity and not an area of armed conflict or geopolitical discord.
Aside from a bilateral meeting with Chinese officials, President Marcos will also participate in the APEC CEO Summit and will join his counterparts at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Gala Dinner Thursday.