Philippines eyes progress on South China Sea code of conduct as ASEAN Chair in 2026: Foreign secretary

In 2013, Manila brought a landmark case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which ruled in 2016 that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis – a decision Beijing rejected.  

ASEAN has not taken a unified position on the ruling, but Ms Lazaro said several member states quietly support it.

“They may not be very vocal about their position on the arbitral award, but I can tell you that some ASEAN member states agree and believe (in it). To a certain extent, (some) even use it in their bilateral discussions,” she said.  

The Philippines will take over ASEAN’s rotating chairmanship from Malaysia in 2026, placing Manila in a pivotal position to shape the bloc’s agenda. 

Ms Lazaro said the Philippines will continue to champion a rules-based international order through diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, even as it navigates relations with major powers that do not always adhere to international laws.

“This military power of (some) countries … Might doesn’t make it right.  Right means being responsible for doing things correctly,” she said. 

“We are … committed to the rule of law because it’s the only thing we can rely on. The rule of law is very much respected by many countries and we cannot dismiss it.”