The Philippines is feeling optimistic about the progress in negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. This sentiment was expressed by Dominic Xavier Imperial, Deputy Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs, during a recent briefing.
Imperial noted that all parties involved have shown a strong commitment to hold regular meetings to advance the discussions. He stated, "We are encouraged by the progress that we’re seeing and the commitment of all parties."
Frequent meetings have been a key focus since the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held in Cebu earlier this year. Imperial confirmed that more discussions are scheduled in the coming weeks.
Key Developments in COC Negotiations
The COC talks have been ongoing since 2018 and are crucial for ensuring peace and stability in the disputed waters. Chinese Ambassador to Manila, Jing Quan, emphasized earlier this year that Beijing is relying on the Philippines to help finalize the negotiations.
We are very encouraged by the commitment indicated back in January when our Secretary of Foreign Affairs chaired the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat.
Dominic Xavier Imperial
This progress comes nearly two decades after the signing of a 2002 declaration aimed at establishing a binding framework to regulate activities in the South China Sea.