(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, Nov. 2, emphasized the need for “self-restraint” in the South China Sea, as he called on members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to “use all influence” to persuade parties to exercise this and “avoid actions that may further complicate the situation.”
During the 35th ASEAN Summit plenary in Thailand, the President said the issue should also be resolved in accordance to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
He said he believes that the regional bloc was “one in the view that an effective and substantive (Code of Conduct) will be good for the region,” notwithstanding the “lack of enthusiasm by some external partners.”
As ASEAN-China Country coordinator, he said “the Philippines will do its utmost part to conclude negotiations on a (COC) as soon as possible.”
“ASEAN must therefore remain united. We must lead the way in building trust and confidence among all stakeholders,” Duterte said.
The President is on a four-day visit in Thailand.
