Summit to Address China's Actions in South China Sea

A summit involving at least 20 nations is scheduled for the week of September 22, 2024, during the U.N. General Assembly, aimed at addressing China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, particularly towards the Philippines. Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., Jose Manuel Romualdez, emphasized the need for a unified international response to deter China's confrontational stance, claiming that collective pressure could prevent further escalations. The summit comes amid heightened tensions marked by recent maritime confrontations, including a serious incident where a Filipino sailor was injured. Romualdez likened the current challenge to the Philippines' historical struggles during World War II, noting the persistent presence of approximately 238 Chinese vessels in disputed waters. Countries like Australia, Japan, India, and Singapore have already voiced concerns over China's actions and are expected to join the call for peaceful resolutions. The U.S., as a key ally of the Philippines, has not yet commented on the planned summit.