SCS code of conduct talks must resume

Rising tension?: China Coast Guard vessels (left) firing a water cannon toward Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 as it sails to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea last month. — Reuters

IF only China and Asean had concluded their negotiations on a binding code of conduct on the South China Sea (SCS), we would not be worried so much today about the tensions rising between Asean member the Philippines and China in the strategic waterway.

As it stands now, geopolitical developments are potentially leading to war as both sides double down on their claims over the disputed Scarborough Shoal through military reinforcements.