Philippines Aims to Finalize South China Sea Code of Conduct by Year-End

Southeast Asian leaders are scheduled to gather in Cebu, Philippines, for the 48th ASEAN summit on May 8. The agenda includes immediate concerns such as the global energy crunch. A year-end deadline to finalize a code of conduct in the South China Sea is a priority for the Philippines as the current ASEAN chair.

a panel at Atma Jaya University in Jakarta on Thursday, Philippine officials stated that completing the code this year was important for the region and the world, noting some movement in negotiations. Officials described themselves as optimists but also pragmatists, adding that both ASEAN and China are working to complete negotiations this year.

Background on the Code The code has been under negotiation since 2002 between ASEAN and China. It aims to reduce tensions in the disputed waterway by setting rules for maritime behavior and crisis management. Talks have stalled over the years due to tensions over territorial claims and competing national interests.

Last year, Philippine officials called on Southeast Asian leaders to accelerate the adoption of a legally binding code to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations at sea. Officials have expressed hope of concluding talks during the Philippines' tenure as ASEAN chair this year.