A proposal for a new Southeast Asian maritime center by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. faces challenges due to the ongoing South China Sea dispute with Beijing. Analysts question its ability to avoid appearing biased and the risk of duplicating existing regional bodies.

A proposal unveiled by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr for a new Southeast Asian maritime centre has raised questions about its most glaring obstacle: Manila’s long-standing South China Sea dispute with Beijing. Analysts warn such a centre would not only have to avoid appearance of being an instrument of Philippine interests in disputed waters, but also risks simply duplicating the work of existing regional bodies. Speaking on Friday at a press conference following the Asean summit in....