Thiloththama Jayasinghe, Jadetimes Staff
T. Jayasinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political News
The Philippines urged the need to conclude negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea due to rising tensions there. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on China and the ASEAN to hasten negotiations on the Code so that a way to ensure stability and the prevention of conflict would be realized for the disputed waters.
The South China Sea is an important international water passage but, unfortunately, has been plagued by the territorial disputes between China claiming practically the entire sea and some members of ASEAN such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The COC was designed for managing maritime disputes to ensure differences are handled without resorting to violence and strictly in accordance with international law and UNCLOS in particular.
The negotiations for the COC began twenty years ago, with the progress rather slow. Until now, China and ASEAN have been unable to agree on several basic issues. The Philippines has been open about urging faster discussions, as it remains very concerned about territorial disputes and the increasingly wide-ranging Chinese activities in the region, especially military actions on artificial islands and encroachments into Philippine waters.
This renewed push for the COC comes when geopolitical contestation is growing more heated, with the United States and other countries building up military presence in the region to counter China's preeminence. Manila sees the code as important for ensuring a rules-based order in the South China Sea, whereby the risks of confrontation are avoided and peace and security can be maintained in the region.
By urging greater urgency, the Philippines hopes to achieve cooperation and prevent further escalation of tensions that could affect trade, security, and regional stability.
