VIENTIANE: President Marcos said on Friday (Oct 11) “more than half” of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) offered some form of help to the Philippines amid China’s continued aggressions over the South China Sea.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on nations to reduce tensions in the South China Sea during a meeting between Southeast Asian leaders and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday.Most Read from BloombergSan Francisco to Shut 9% of Public Schools Amid Budget WoesChicago’s $1 Billion Budget Hole Exacerbated by School TurmoilUrban Heat Stress Is Another Disparity in the World’s Most Unequal NationShould Evictions Be Banned After Hurricanes and Climate Disasters?

Marcos Jnr cites recent South China Sea incidents, warns economic cooperation alone will not ease security concerns in the region.