South China Sea remains a concern

Safe arrival: Najib inspecting an honour guard on his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. — Bernama

The framework of the code of conduct (CoC) in South China Sea being finalised by Asean and China may be adopted next month when se­nior officials meet. But concerns remain on “developments” still taking place in the hotly contested maritime area.

Asean and Chinese officials have met twice this year – in Bali and Siem Reap in February and March – to work on the draft. But some officials fear the CoC, when it is finally adopted, will be less “valuable” as China which is also claiming the area, continues with its development plans.