Asean, China fail to conclude South China Sea code of conduct

Sixteen nations comprising the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China were unable to finalize a long-standing South China Sea Code of Conduct during negotiations chaired by the Philippines. Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro revealed that approximately 80% of the draft had been provisionally agreed upon, but significant disagreements remained.

These disagreements encompass the legal binding nature of the code and differing interpretations of the international law's applicability. ASEAN nations, including China's neighbors, desire the code to be anchored in international law, whereas China asserts its actions have been lawful. The Philippines and China have a history of maritime confrontations due to overlapping claims, with Manila accusing China of aggressive moves and China countering such accusations.

Analysts suggest that intra-ASEAN differences, such as the geographical scope of the code, also contribute to the negotiation's delays. The next ASEAN chairmanship will be held by Singapore, which will strive to achieve an agreement on the code of conduct.