China and four Asean states – Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam – have overlapping claims over the strategic waterway. - AFP
JAKARTA (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): The code of conduct (COC) for the South China Sea, being drawn up by Asean and China, will have to be one that is effective and substantive, said Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, director-general for Asean cooperation at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry.
Speaking at a briefing on Friday (March 10) after officials from Asean and China held meetings on the COC, Sidharto noted that talks have been progressing, and there is a commitment from all sides to intensify negotiations.
