Duterte prods Asean to push for ‘open, rules-based int’l order’

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte updates the nation on the government’s efforts in addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on May 28, 2020. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday urged his fellow Southeast Asian leaders to remain united and defend an “open and rules-based international order.”

Duterte made the call amid the ongoing tensions between the United States (US) and China.

During the 36th annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) held through video conference, Duterte acknowledged that the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has “added a new layer to the complex relationship” between the world’s two largest economies.

“We must also not lose sight of the geopolitical shifts that have (accelerated) in the past six months. The rivalry between the United States and China was already well underway before this crisis,” he said.

Duterte, nevertheless, told his fellow Asean leaders to stay neutral.

He said the 10-member regional bloc should aim for global prosperity and order.

“The Great Powers will continue to draw us into their respective camps. We should continue to nimbly engage them in ways that most (benefit us),” Duterte said.

The President said the Asean should also ensure that all countries worldwide would have not just “one voice” but also an “equal standing.”

“We must insist on an open and rules-based international order that gives all countries – large or small – not just one voice, but an equal standing,” he said.

The relationship between the US and China have deteriorated since American President Donald Trump assumed office in 2017.

Washington DC has repeatedly confronted Beijing over trade issues and its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.