MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ steadfast commitment to defend its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in accordance with international law.

In his arrival message following the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Marcos emphasized that the Philippines will remain guided by international law in protecting its maritime jurisdiction.

“I reaffirmed that the Philippines will continue to remain firm, calm, and resolute in defending our sovereignty, our sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with, of course, international law,” the President said.

The statement came amid continuing tensions and recent incidents involving Chinese vessels in areas within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Marcos’ remarks reflect the government’s continuing stance of firm diplomacy anchored on the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, which upheld the Philippines’ maritime entitlements.

The President also highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation with like-minded nations to promote regional peace and economic growth.

“We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with all countries who share our values and our commitment to peace, to stability, and to economic progress,” he said.

Marcos added that ASEAN leaders discussed key regional issues during the summit, including the crisis in Myanmar, and reiterated the bloc’s collective support for a peaceful resolution.

“The leaders and I also discussed the ongoing situation in Myanmar and the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus to bring about a peaceful and lasting solution, which is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led,” the President said.