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Philippines to push for binding South China Sea code in 2026 – will it succeed?
Analysts say Manila will find it difficult to get China to the negotiating table, or secure Asean’s backing for a binding code
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With the Philippines gearing up to succeed Malaysia as Asean chair in 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has confirmed that Manila will push for a finalised and binding code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea amid its long-standing maritime row with China.
In an interview for his podcast last Friday, Marcos confirmed that Manila would “certainly try” for that outcome, stressing the urgency of a legally binding agreement to maintain stability in the region.
Four member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines – have competing claims against Beijing in the South China Sea, yet disputed areas in waters the Philippines claim have become prominent flashpoints for these tensions.
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“We will certainly try, because a code of conduct is very, very important,” Marcos said, adding that his country’s maritime zones had become the most volatile parts of the waterway.
An international tribunal ruled in favour of the Philippines’ claims in 2016. Beijing has consistently rejected that decision and upheld its nine-dash line claim, which it says is based on historical accounts.
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Marcos said a COC would outline acceptable and appropriate behaviour while preventing actions that could further provoke tensions among claimant states, including ship collisions and the construction of artificial islands.
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