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PH urges respect for int'l law in ASEAN-China COC talks

Philippine News Agency

By Marita Moaje
April 14, 2025, 2:59 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines firmly called for respect to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea during the latest round of the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations in the South China Sea held in Manila.

In a news release on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines took the opportunity to reaffirm its stance on upholding international law while reiterating its commitment to resolving disputes in a peaceful manner.

"The Philippines voiced its concerns on the situation in the West Philippine Sea, especially with regard to recent incidents that posed risks to Philippine vessels and personnel, and actions by other countries that infringed on the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction," the DFA said.

It added that the country pushed for the pursuance of constructive diplomatic approaches in managing differences at sea.

The negotiations brought together ASEAN member states and China under the Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (JWG-DOC).

The meeting held on April 9 to 11 was co-chaired by Malaysia and China, with the Philippines hosting the talks.

The DFA said the negotiations continued to tackle the paragraphs of the Draft COC, including the so-called milestone issues, in line with the commitment of ASEAN and China to conclude a substantive and effective COC in an early fashion.

The 2016 ruling by an arbitral tribunal in The Hague invalidated Beijing's sweeping claims in the South China Sea, including areas within Manila's exclusive economic zone.

However, China has rejected the ruling and continues to assert its claims.

The COC seeks to manage tensions and prevent conflict in the South China Sea, a strategic and resource-rich waterway claimed in part by several ASEAN members, including the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Malaysian Ambassador to Manila Malik Melvin Castelino said earlier that as ASEAN chair, Kuala Lumpur has been pushing to move forward with the negotiations, citing the importance of early engagements on the issue.

The next round of negotiations will take place in Malaysia later this year.

The Philippines will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026. (PNA)