President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is gearing up for what could be one of the Philippines’ most consequential turns on the global stage: leading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026 with a bold aim to break a decades-long deadlock over the South China Sea.
Speaking on his latest podcast, Marcos said Manila will use its chairmanship to push for a long-delayed, binding Code of Conduct (COC) that would set clear rules for how countries operate in the contested waters — a region where territorial disputes have fueled tensions for years.
“We will certainly try, because it’s very, very important,” Marcos said, stressing that the most volatile flashpoints in the West Philippine Sea lie close to Philippine territory. “If we have a code of conduct, everyone will know the rules — not just us, but all the countries around the South China Sea. That clarity will make things easier.”
A diplomatic marathon, not a sprint
Efforts to craft a COC between China and ASEAN began more than a decade ago, but talks have been bogged down by political friction, including Beijing’s insistence on banning joint military exercises in waters it claims almost in entirety.
In 2024, the Philippines and Vietnam tried to fast-track progress by drafting their own bilateral COC for overlapping zones — but that agreement, too, remains unfinished.
Marcos, however, signaled that Manila’s 2026 hosting will prioritize moving the needle, even if it means incremental steps.
‘Friend to all, enemy to none’
The President underscored that defending Philippine sovereignty doesn’t mean closing doors to dialogue — even with Beijing, whose vessels have repeatedly entered Philippine waters.
“Once the lines of communication are closed, there’s no room for improvement,” Marcos said. “We have to keep trying. You can’t just shut things down, because that will only make the situation worse. We can only control what we do, not what other countries do.”
He reaffirmed that the Philippines’ foreign policy — “friend to all, enemy to none” — remains unchanged. “We’re not looking for enemies. We’re defending our territory while keeping relationships open.”
Showcasing the Philippines
Beyond the maritime issue, Marcos said the 2026 ASEAN Summit will be an opportunity to present the Philippines as it truly is: hardworking, hospitable, and united.
“You don’t need to dress up the Philippines — just show it. The dedication of our people, the beauty of our country, and the fact that we are moving in the right direction. That’s the most important thing,” he said.
The Philippines will assume the ASEAN chairmanship from Myanmar, which stepped back from hosting amid ongoing political turmoil.
With regional rivalries sharpening and the South China Sea dispute still unresolved, Manila’s turn at the helm may be more than just a ceremonial role — it could define the region’s maritime order for years to come.
