Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping at the APEC summit to discuss guardrails in their bilateral relations and maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Marcos seeks to revive economic ties with China, which has yet to implement multi-billion infrastructure pledges. He emphasizes not surrendering any territory in the South China Sea and is approaching neighbors to craft a code of conduct. Marcos' pursuit of warmer ties with the United States leads to tensions with China.

Marcos' Diplomatic Gambit