PBBM to raise SCS issue with Xi

• Published date: 09 November 2022
• Publication title: Philippines News agency

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed his intent to discuss the South China Sea (SCS) issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

In a media interview after departing Manila, Marcos emphasized the importance of finding ways to settle the long-standing territorial disputes in SCS between the Philippines and other littoral states which include China.

Marcos said it is 'impossible' for him not to mention the SCS issue with Xi when he is given the chance to hold a meeting with his counterpart.

'Those kinds of discussions, especially with the West Philippine Sea, I'm hoping to do that with the Chinese President,' he told reporters who were also onboard the presidential plane.

'So, hopefully, 'yun ang magiging isang subject matter na pag-usapan namin (that will be one subject matter that we will discuss)… It's impossible for me to talk to China without mentioning that,' he added.

In his pre-departure speech, Marcos said the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits will serve as a platform to address regional issues, including the developments in the SCS.

This is the first time Marcos will participate in the ASEAN meetings which will be held in Cambodia from Nov. 10 to 13.

Marcos is expected to meet with some of his counterparts in the ASEAN and dialogue partners on the sidelines of the summits.

However, it was unclear if Marcos will be able to hold a meeting with Xi.

Marcos said he is keen to look for ways to address the Philippines' SCS...