President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the leaders of Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and China to “redouble efforts” in tackling shared regional challenges through deeper, inclusive, and results-oriented cooperation during his intervention at the 28th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
President Marcos stressed that as common challenges intensify, the APT mechanism must pursue “ambitious yet concrete, inclusive, and results-oriented initiatives” that meet the people’s needs and adapt to evolving priorities.
The President highlighted several critical areas for enhanced regional collaboration:
Transnational Crime and Trafficking: President Marcos called for aligning APT work programs with the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP). This alignment would provide tools for faster cross-border action, stronger information-sharing, and victim-centered protection.
Economic and Financial Resilience: The President welcomed the upgrade to the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation, including the new Rapid Financing Facility, calling it a timely enhancement to the region’s financial safety nets. He also urged stronger uptake of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) through plain-language guidance and hands-on export support to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Supply Chain and MSME Integration: Supporting recommendations from the Network of East Asian Think-Tanks (NEAT), President Marcos backed efforts to advance cooperation in regional supply chain connectivity and promote MSME integration. These efforts aim to ensure faster customs clearances, lower costs, and wider opportunities for first-time exporters, benefiting communities from city centers to coastal and inland areas.
Social Protection and Workforce: The President called for enhanced cooperation in strengthening the region’s social service workforce through the ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare (ATCSW). He urged members to strengthen inclusive, adaptive, and interoperable social protection systems that safeguard migrant workers and displaced persons and respond swiftly to crises.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action: Acknowledging the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, President Marcos echoed the NEAT’s call to make disaster risk reduction a cornerstone of sustainable development. He expressed support for aligning regional efforts with the Sendai Framework, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and climate priorities, and advancing the use of innovative early warning technologies.
President Marcos expressed support for the adoption of a Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Regional Economic and Financial Cooperation, noting it reflects the Philippines’ shared resolve to reinforce resilience and advance inclusive and sustainable growth.
The President thanked Malaysia for its capable chairmanship and acknowledged Japan’s steady leadership in steering the APT mechanism.
He highlighted that the Philippines looks forward to co-navigating the APT’s future as it prepares to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026. This is especially meaningful as the Philippines and Japan mark the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations in the same year.
“This milestone reminds us that nations can reconcile and build partnerships grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose,” President Marcos said. “In the same spirit, ASEAN Plus Three shows how dialogue and cooperation can transform even the gravest challenges into possibilities.”
The President concluded by emphasizing that the APT partnership must continue to drive collective action to secure enduring peace and lasting prosperity in the years to come.
The 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit was attended by ROK President Lee Jae Myung, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and the 10 other heads of state of ASEAN.
