KUALA LUMPUR – During the recent plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos of the Philippines urged for an expedited process in establishing a legally binding code of conduct (COC) for the South China Sea claimants.

His call came just days after a Chinese water cannon attack on Philippine research vessels in the West Philippine Sea on May 21, 2025.

In his address, President Marcos stated, "We underscore the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea.

This is to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability and prevent miscalculations at sea." The president's comments highlight ongoing concerns regarding China's assertive actions in the disputed waters, which have been widely criticized, especially after a Chinese coast guard ship engaged in aggressive tactics against two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ships during a routine marine scientific research operation near Sandy Cay.

China's extensive claims in the South China Sea cover over 90 percent of the strategic maritime area, despite a 2016 ruling by an international arbitral court that invalidated these claims.

Other nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, also assert competing claims in the region.

The situation has drawn particular attention given the delicate nature of the geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia.

In 2002, ASEAN member countries and China signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in hopes of reducing tensions and providing a framework for the peaceful resolution of disputes.

However, over two decades later, a binding code of conduct has yet to be established.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro noted that President Marcos is hopeful about the prospects of a code of conduct being adopted soon, with other ASEAN members sharing similar concerns regarding their maritime rights.

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines expressed optimism that a COC could be approved by next year.

Amid these diplomatic efforts, President Marcos has reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to maintaining its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea recognized by the Philippines within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

In a parallel statement, Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez addressed ASEAN parliamentarians, advocating for a rules-based maritime order in the region.

He emphasized the importance of upholding the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which aims to ensure peace, security, and sovereignty for all nations involved in maritime activities.

In another demonstration of civil society engagement, over 150 volunteers, artists, and civil society leaders associated with the Atin Ito coalition launched a civilian-led mission in El Nido, Palawan, aimed at asserting the Philippines' sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

This initiative included plans for a "Sea Concert for Solidarity and Peace" near Pag-asa Island, intended to symbolize community-driven advocacy for maritime rights.

The mission, lasting until May 30, has attracted attention for its peaceful approach and the involvement of various Filipino artists, including notable singers and performers from across Southeast Asia.

The Atin Ito coalition described this endeavor as a "people-powered campaign activity" underscoring their commitment to a peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.

As regional tensions remain high, the developments surrounding the South China Sea continue to be a focal point in ASEAN discussions, emphasizing the need for collective action and adherence to international law amidst escalating geopolitical challenges.