DFA: 80% of South China Sea Code of Conduct completed, salient issues remain

Résumé détaillé

Southeast Asian nations and China have completed negotiations on 80% of the proposed Code of Conduct (COC) on the South China Sea ahead of next week's ASEAN Summit in Manila, the…

Southeast Asian nations and China have completed negotiations on 80% of the proposed Code of Conduct (COC) on the South China Sea ahead of next week's ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday.

At a news conference in Pasay City, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said significant progress had been made in the COC negotiations under the Philippines' ASEAN chairship.

"Since our chairship, a lot has been, the progress of the Code of Conduct is really hastened and there might just be a definitive possibility, but definitely a statement will be released," Lazaro said.

"Let's give it a little bit more time, as this is still subject of discussions. But I just want to say, at this point of time, 80% of the paragraphs, the paper itself, the document itself is finished. So, there will be just some salient points," she added.

The proposed code seeks to establish rules to prevent disputes in the South China Sea from spiraling out of control and developing into a major armed conflict that could involve the United States, a Philippine ally, and other countries in the region.

Lazaro earlier said ASEAN and China want to avoid a situation in the South China Sea similar to that in the Strait of Hormuz, which has prompted both sides to pursue negotiations on a Code of Conduct.

Malacañang, meanwhile, said it remains hopeful that the COC will be signed before the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship ends.

"Bawat araw dapat may pag-asa (Every day should bring hope)," Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

"Sa ngayon, hindi rin natin masasabi kung talagang hindi ito magkakaroon ng konklusyon sa 49th ASEAN Summit dahil ang gusto pa rin ng Pangulo ay masapinal sa panahon na ang Pilipinas ang ASEAN chair," she added.

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