Philippines calls for Gaza ceasefire and respect for maritime law — Anadolu Agency

The Philippines called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and stressed that disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved through diplomacy and in accordance with international law, rather than by force. Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said this at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Anadolu Agency reports.

Lazaro also called for the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages, and full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law. She reaffirmed Manila's support for the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination. According to her, a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace, in which Israel and Palestine would live side by side in peace and security.

South China Sea disputes

According to Lazaro, open and secure seas free from interference and coercion are essential to the Philippines' security and economy, as well as to global trade. She called the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea the constitution of the oceans.

The official recalled that ten years have passed since the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea and described it as final and legally binding. The Philippines and China have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, while Beijing rejected the arbitral ruling.

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Artificial intelligence, climate and the Security Council

Lazaro also called for stronger global governance in artificial intelligence. She warned that without robust governance, enforceable ethical standards and clear legal safeguards, AI could deepen inequality and create systemic risks.

Speaking about climate change, Lazaro said that since August, storms and monsoons have affected more than 2.7 million Philippine families. She called for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and for the loss and damage response fund to be fully operationalized.

In addition, Lazaro emphasized threats to seafarers and noted that Filipinos make up more than 25% of nearly 2 million seafarers who sustain global trade. She advocated for UN Security Council reform with broader representation of developing regions and also supported appointing a woman as UN secretary-general.