CoC prime Asean goal under Phl term

CoC prime Asean goal under Phl term | Daily Tribune

The Code of Conduct (CoC) in the West Philippine Sea, long stalled by China’s maneuvers, will be the country’s main objective when it assumes the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) next year.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is now in Malaysia for the 47th Asean Summit, where the regional bloc’s chairmanship will be handed over to the Philippines.

The goal is to finalize and have the CoC ready for signing under the Philippines’ leadership.

During a pre-departure briefing on President Marcos’ trip to Kuala Lumpur, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Angelica Escalona said Asean members will work closely together to push for the early conclusion of the code next year.

“With regard to the Code of Conduct, as well as the incoming chairmanship, the Philippines will work with Asean member-states and China for the conclusion of an effective, substantive, and legally binding pact,” Escalona said.

Pressed on whether the CoC will be completed for signing by 2026, she said, “We are optimistic.”

Non-binding rules

The CoC builds on the 2002 Declaration of Conduct (DoC) and will provide a set of rules to manage tensions in the South China Sea, but it is a non-binding document.

At the close of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur on 28 October, Malaysia will formally turn over the chairmanship to President Marcos.

Beyond maritime issues, Escalona said the Philippines, together with other Asean member states, will engage China on various areas, including improving economic cooperation within the region.

“When we talk about our relations with China, the WPS is not the sum total of our relations. So, we do cooperate with China in other areas, including on the economic pillar of Asean,” she said.

The meetings are being convened at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who currently serves as ASEAN chair.

“The summit is a mechanism for leaders to provide a policy direction for ASEAN, build consensus on matters of mutual interests, and exchange views on key regional and international issues,” Escalona said.

President Marcos is expected to take part in 14 leaders level meetings and witness three signing ceremonies during the three-day summit.

Among the key documents to be signed is the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN as the regional bloc’s 11th member. The President will also witness the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade.

“In all these engagements, the President will advance Philippine interests in ASEAN by strengthening regional security and stability, enhancing economic cooperation, and broadening engagement with dialogue partners,” Escalona added.

The summit is also expected to tackle pressing global and regional issues, including the ongoing situation in Myanmar, economic uncertainties, and evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges. Around 80 outcome documents are anticipated to be issued, adopted, or noted during the series of meetings.