Is Beijing warming to South China Sea code of conduct?
- Tensions with the US and a stronger negotiating position after years of reclamation are likely to be driving Beijing’s renewed enthusiasm
- But observers say there are also signs that the Southeast Asian bloc claimants are more interested in a meaningful result than a quicker one
China, which has been accused of dragging its feet for about a quarter of a century, has taken a number of recent opportunities to show its support for an early resolution to the regional debate.
But diplomatic sources noted that while China is now proactively seeking a conclusion to negotiations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is in no rush, showing more interest in aiming for a meaningful result than a quick one.
The switch in sentiment comes amid growing geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington, which has thrown its support behind the Philippines and other Asean members with territorial claims in the South China Sea.
China’s recent push for an agreement may also not be enough to overcome chronic differences between Beijing and its neighbours on many crucial aspects of a maritime code of conduct in the contested waters, observers said.
Less than a month after China and the 10 Asean member states agreed to start on the third reading of the single draft negotiating text, the Philippines unveiled a proposal for a separate pact in November.