The Philippines and China have increased negotiations to finalize the Code of Conduct (CoC) for the South China Sea (SCS), said Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Tuesday, as Manila takes over the position of chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year.
“Both sides hope to speed up negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea,” he said in a speech delivered in Manila. “Consultation is becoming more frequent and more powerful.”
The CoC, which was first proposed in 2002, aims to regulate disputes in the sensitive waters, which serve as a hub for billions of dollars in annual trade.
But progress has been slow, with legal, political and strategic differences between ASEAN members and China repeatedly delaying the process. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for the first quarter.
Mr. Jing mentioned the importance of keeping the lines of communication open and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions while a legally binding framework is being worked out.
“Even if we cannot reach a solution immediately, it is important for us to keep the lines of communication open, avoid provocative or confrontational actions and prevent the disagreement from spreading.
Politicians on both sides have reached initial consensus on the roadmap for the next phase of dialogue and negotiation, he added.
The South China Sea remains one of the most volatile areas of the region. China has expanded its presence despite a 2016 ruling by a United Nations-backed arbitration court that dismissed its watershed claims.
The dispute involves overlapping claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Taiwan.
Mr. Jing also called for moderation in rhetoric, stressing the long-term importance of managing tensions.
“There are maritime disputes between China and the Philippines, which have come to the fore in recent years,” he said. “I believe that China and the Philippines have the strength and wisdom to manage our differences properly.”
Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of the International Development and Security Cooperation, said the renewed dialogue reflects a “mature and responsible” approach to bilateral relations.
“If this is the communication track that Beijing wants to follow with Manila, we will see a strong, stable relationship moving forward,” he said via Facebook Messenger.
However, China has retained non-negotiable claims in the South China Sea and resisted any provisions of the CoC that could weaken its control or invite foreign surveillance, analysts said.
Beijing’s commitment to finalize the CoC will be in its interest, said Josue Raphael J. Cortez, professor of studies at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.
Finalizing a legally binding Code of Conduct will not only ensure regional stability but also improve China’s image among ASEAN countries, he said.
“Making consensus decisions, an important part of the ASEAN Way, is still the process by which the bloc will be able to reach a final agreement, which takes time,” Mr Cortez said.
The Philippines sought to speed up the CoC negotiations as ASEAN chair to strengthen its diplomatic influence and improve regional security.
Manila has been pushing for a framework that balances the interests of China and smaller claimants, providing legally binding rules on maritime conduct, dispute resolution and conflict prevention.
Beijing and Manila have clashed several times in recent years over disputed waters. Chinese Coast Guard vessels have bombarded Philippine fishing boats, and such incidents underscore the importance of reaching a CoC that both sides respect.
Mr. Jing stressed that pending a final agreement, both nations must avoid provocative actions. – Adrian H. Halili
