South China Sea: Asean, Beijing agree on next step for delayed code of conduct to regulate behaviour in disputed waterway
- Second reading will be completed ‘within the year’ after first formal meeting of the negotiating parties since 2021
- Philippines and Vietnam strike separate agreement to make conclusion of ‘substantive’ code a priority
The consensus to “accelerate the consultations and complete the second reading of the text within the year” was struck in Vietnam’s Ha Long city, at the 20th meeting by senior officials from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, after talks which began last May.
A day earlier, the Philippine foreign ministry said Manila and Hanoi had agreed in a separate meeting to make the conclusion of a “substantive” code of conduct a priority. Both countries have been in major incidents with China over their competing claims.
They vowed to strengthen their collaboration on maritime issues and expressed serious concern over “unilateral activities that undermine peace and stability in the region”, the Philippine statement said.
China claims most of the waters and has significantly strengthened its grip on the area with military bases and an enhanced administrative and law enforcement presence.