ASEAN SUMMIT CONTROVERSY | Marcos Jr, WRONG TIMING
I was recently interviewed by SMNI in their TV program Nightline News, and the discussion revolved around the recent 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Laos held from October 8-11, 2024. One of the most interesting questions posed to me by the anchors Jade and Admar was if the Philippines appeared strong in asserting its claims in the South China Sea dispute with China when President Marcos Jr intervened. The anchors asked what’s my thoughts on this matter.
During the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits held in Vientiane, Laos, from October 8-11, 2024, a notable controversy unfolded involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The incident occurred when Marcos commented on the inseparable link between political security and economic cooperation, stating that economic ties alone could not resolve underlying political issues. This comment was perceived as an implicit critique of China’s focus on trade while tensions persisted in areas such as the SCS.
At the time, Premier Li was delivering a speech that highlighted economic cooperation, particularly through China’s involvement in regional trade agreements such as the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area and advancing digital and agricultural cooperation. Marcos Jr.’s intervention, which directly touched on political-security concerns, clashed with Li’s economic-centric approach. This underscored the ongoing rift between the Philippines and China regarding security issues, particularly in the contested South China Sea.
Here’s a piece of my thoughts and my commentary on this…
Source: SMNI News
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1827567101105444
