Lazaro: PH to pursue ASEAN economic cooperation amid China disputes

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro addressed ASEAN business leaders on Sunday, October 18 at the welcome dinner hosted by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. at the Goldenberg Mansion in Manila. 

The dinner kickstarted the 2nd ASEAN-Chinese Business Leaders Summit, which Lazaro said is a reminder of the “deep and growing economic relationship” between China and Southeast Asian nations.

As the chair of the ASEAN Summit this year, the Philippines aims “to turn regional cooperation into practical results, stronger businesses, more jobs, resilient supply chains, and better opportunities for our people,” Lazaro said.

Amid the celebrations, Lazaro also acknowledged the ongoing dispute between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

“In our relations with China, the Philippines continues to address sensitive security differences while pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation where our interests converge,” she said in her opening speech.

“Our position is clear. We will uphold our principles and national interests while keeping the door open to constructive engagement,” she added. 

Lazaro added that such commitment will also entail pursuing an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea “consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

The 49th ASEAN Summit is scheduled from November 16 to 18 under the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”