Despite years of negotiations, the ASEAN nations and China haven’t tackled the “core issues” needed for the South China Sea Code of Conduct to be established, Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said.
In an exclusive interview with Thai PBS World, Manila’s top diplomat mentioned that ASEAN and China should have a serious and focused discussions on key issues in the long-standing negotiations for the code.
“It's important that if we want to get the negotiations moving, we need to address some very important issues which have not really been discussed seriously during the negotiations,” said Manalo. “There have not been any real discussions, much less negotiations,” he added.
He also highlighted several unresolved issues that he believes are vital to the success of the COC. Among them are whether the code should be legally binding, its scope, and its relationship with the existing 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
Another concern is the enforceability of the agreement and the degree to which it can limit activities, particularly by non-parties to the code.
“What we're really saying is maybe it's time we at least begin discussions,” Manalo stressed.
The Philippines and other ASEAN member states have been pushing for the COC to establish clear guidelines and prevent the escalation of tensions in the contested waters.
The South China Sea, a strategic waterway through which a significant portion of global trade passes, is claimed by several Southeast Asian nations, with China asserting sweeping territorial claims.
In the recently concluded ASEAN summit in Laos, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged ASEAN to fast-track the progress of the negotiations, citing the aggression of China against Philippine vessels, which raises concern over freedom of navigation and stability in the region.
“These kinds of behavior cannot be ignored, and demand of us concerted and serious efforts to truly manage our disputes in the South China Sea,” Marcos said.
China, on its part, reiterated that it will continue to work with ASEAN countries to advance the consultations of the code of conduct.
“China remains committed to settling maritime differences with countries concerned through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning.
In 2016, the Philippines won a landmark case at the Hague invalidating China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea however the Chinese government rejects the ruling.
US Elections
Manalo expressed confidence that the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the United States will remain strong, even amid potential changes in U.S. leadership.
He emphasized that the partnership, established on shared strategic interests, has stood the test of time across different administrations in both countries.
“I think that the position or that the interests of the United States here are long-term. Its strategic. You know, we've had, we’re treaty ally of the United States. “We’ve been allies for 75 years,” Manalo added.
The Philippines and the United States are ally countries, and the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 serves as the cornerstone of their military partnership.
Both nations have worked closely on various security and defense initiatives, particularly in the South China Sea, a region where Manila and Washington have shared interests in upholding international law.
Some political observers expressed concern that any shifts in the White House are of significant concern, amid rising tensions in the region and the broader Indo-Pacific.
However, the foreign secretary reiterates that the importance of regional security, economic prosperity, and adherence to international law would keep the U.S.-Philippine alliance.
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