Marcos calls for ASEAN's collective action vs violations of int'l laws

TOKYO, Japan—President Marcos has called for collective action among fellow Southeast Asian leaders amid the continued "violations of international laws" in the region.

Marcos said they cannot discuss peace and stability in the region without recognizing the need to address several pressing issues hounding the region.

He called for collective action amid the intercontinental ballistic missile tests of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, unilateral actions in the East and South China Seas, and the worsening violence in Myanmar.

He also said that the missile tests of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the unilateral actions in the East and South China Seas continue to threaten peace and stability in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.  

"We cannot overemphasize that trust is the basis of peace, a trust based on deeds and not merely words, especially on a geopolitical environment increasingly characterized by disruptions, by violation to the international rule of law, as we face common yet complex challenges together,” Marcos said during his intervention at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit.

“We cannot also discuss peace and stability in our region without recognizing the need to address the worsening violence and the plight of the people of Myanmar through proactive engagement of all the stakeholders involved,” he added.

The President also urged his fellow leaders to help in alleviating the situation through the Five Point Consensus, the United Nations mechanisms, and AHA Center (ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management).

"And while we address common threats to peace, we also encourage continued partnership for the environment," he further said.

Marcos also called on Japan to support efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality to reduce the effects of global warming which will benefit our disaster-prone communities.

"We also call for climate action as we promote biodiversity management, green technologies and circular economy, and the blue economy has also become an important part of that formula," he said.