The defense chiefs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-states emphasized the need for an “early conclusion” of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS).
Following the 18th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Lao People’s Democratic Republic last Wednesday, member-states issued a joint declaration on Thursday in which they “emphasize the need for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC in accordance with international law including the 1982 UNCLOS.”
The ASEAN and China have been engaged in negotiations for the COC since March 2018.
Aside from this, ASEAN countries also “underscore the significance of maintaining regional peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the SCS.”
They also want to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would escalate disputes.
Last October, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also urged ASEAN to fast-track the COC to advance meaningful progress amid China’s aggression in the SCS.
“In our view, there should be more urgency in the pace of the negotiations of the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC),” Marcos said in his intervention during the 27th ASEAN-China Summit in Lao PDR.
Beijing later assured that it would continue to advance consultations for the COC. The Chinese foreign ministry issued the statement when asked about an NHK report on Marcos urging ASEAN leaders “not to turn a blind eye to developments in the South China Sea.”
Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea—a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce— including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China’s claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had “no legal basis.” China has not recognized the decision.
Meanwhile, the Philippines on Friday said the possible placing of American troops on standby mode in other areas was “still under consideration” by the Defense Department following the creation of a United States task force dedicated to a key feature in the contested waters, the Ayungin Shoal. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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