The government is hopeful that the long-awaited Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea will be finalised and ready for signing under its 2026 Asean chairmanship, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
During a pre-departure briefing on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s participation in the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said Manila would work closely with Asean member states in pushing for the early conclusion of the code once it leads the regional bloc.
“In regard to the Code of Conduct, as well as the incoming chair, the Philippines will work with Asean member-states and China for the conclusion of an effective, substantive and legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea,” she said.
Pressed if the COC is expected to be finished for signing by 2026, she said: “We are optimistic.”
The proposed COC builds on the 2002 Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea and seeks to provide a set of rules to manage tension in the South China Sea, where several states are locked in a maritime dispute.
At the closing of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Meetings, which runs from tomorrow (Oct 26) to Monday (Oct 28) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will formally turn over the chairmanship to President Marcos.
Beyond maritime issues, Escalona said the Philippines, together with Asean member states, will also engage China on various areas, including improving economic cooperation within the region.
“When we talk about our relations with China, (the) West Philippine Sea is not the sum total of our relations with China. So, we do cooperate with China on other areas, including on the economic pillar of Asean,” she said.
One of the key agreements up for signing at the summit is the Asean-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade. — Bernama
