Philippines pushes binding South China Sea code as ASEAN chair

The Philippines has set its sights on finalizing a binding code of conduct for the South China Sea during its tenure as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. The move reflects growing optimism among Southeast Asian nations and China that a framework for cooperation and conflict prevention in the strategic waters may finally be realized, Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said on Monday.

The South China Sea has long been a flashpoint for regional tensions, with overlapping territorial claims involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Disputes over fishing rights, shipping lanes, and potential oil and gas reserves have periodically escalated, prompting fears of military confrontation.

Lazaro emphasized that the proposed code of conduct should be legally binding, ensuring that all parties adhere to agreed rules and procedures to manage disputes and avoid accidental clashes. “Our goal is to create a framework that guarantees peace, security, and stability in these waters,” she said.

The discussions on a code of conduct between China and the 11-member ASEAN bloc date back to a 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. However, despite the initial agreement, negotiations remained slow, with significant progress only emerging in the past few years. ASEAN officials have repeatedly called for stronger commitments to ensure that the agreement is enforceable rather than symbolic.

China has expressed willingness to cooperate with ASEAN countries, and a consensus has reportedly begun to take shape on key principles, such as freedom of navigation, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Philippines, which will assume the ASEAN chair in 2026, plans to prioritize maritime security and regional stability as a central theme of its leadership. Lazaro highlighted that achieving a legally binding code could strengthen ASEAN’s collective voice in negotiations with China and improve trust among member states.

Analysts note that a finalized code could reduce tensions in the South China Sea and serve as a blueprint for managing other maritime disputes globally. However, challenges remain, including balancing national interests, addressing historical grievances, and ensuring compliance from all parties involved.

As the ASEAN chair, the Philippines is expected to host high-level meetings and negotiations with Chinese representatives and other Southeast Asian leaders, signaling a renewed push for diplomatic solutions over conflict. The world will be closely watching whether these efforts can culminate in a historic agreement that codifies cooperation in one of the most strategically significant and contested maritime regions on the planet.