Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. backs a proposal discussed at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu to establish an “Asean Maritime Center” in the Philippines, framing it as a regional mechanism to strengthen maritime cooperation. Marcos says the center is intended to act as a “central repository” for maritime issues affecting ASEAN members and to help protect vital trade routes by improving maritime safety and security.
In statements following the summit, Marcos emphasizes that the proposed center is not meant to confront or “push back” against any country or to provoke tensions in the South China Sea. He links the initiative to the need to support continued freedom of navigation and peaceful navigation in the area.
A separate report highlights potential concerns raised by analysts: the South China Sea dispute between Manila and Beijing is seen as the most significant obstacle to the plan, with questions about whether the center could be perceived as serving Philippine interests in disputed waters. Analysts also warn the initiative could duplicate the work of existing regional bodies.
Alongside the maritime center proposal, ASEAN leaders adopt the Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, reaffirming regional commitments and underscoring the multidimensional nature of maritime challenges.
