President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he will invite Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the Philippines once negotiations for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea are completed.
Speaking at a “Kapihan with the Media” event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marcos said the invitation would come after the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, when discussions on the COC are expected to be concluded.
The President said Xi’s possible visit would symbolize major progress in talks between ASEAN and China and serve as a sign of the Philippines’ sincere commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Marcos emphasized that ASEAN member states should not lose hope in finding diplomatic solutions to disputes in the South China Sea, adding that each leader has a responsibility to pursue peaceful negotiations to protect the rights and interests of their people.
He also underscored that any agreement or treaty reached among ASEAN nations should be binding and observed by all parties involved.
The Philippine leader expressed full confidence that the Code of Conduct negotiations between ASEAN and China will be completed by 2026 under Manila’s chairmanship.
Marcos’ statement comes amid renewed tensions and maritime incidents involving Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. The COC, once finalized, is expected to establish clearer rules for preventing conflicts and promoting cooperation among claimant nations.
