South China Sea: Asean, Beijing need recalibrated approach to reach binding code of conduct
The ongoing disputes in the South China Sea are heightening insecurity in the Indo-Pacific, and despite efforts by ASEAN and China to negotiate a Code of Conduct (COC), progress remains stalled. This lack of advancement threatens the credibility of both ASEAN and China, potentially escalating tensions and the risk of conflict in the region.
Negotiations for the COC began in 2018, building upon previous agreements like the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. While there was some optimism after the third reading of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text, recent meetings, such as the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Malaysia, have reiterated the need for an effective and substantive COC that aligns with international law, including the UNCLOS treaty. A revised strategy is crucial to address conflicting sovereignty claims and move towards a binding code.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
The ongoing disputes in the South China Sea are heightening insecurity in the Indo-Pacific, and despite efforts by ASEAN and China to negotiate a Code of Conduct (COC), progress remains stalled. This lack of advancement threatens the credibility of both ASEAN and China, potentially escalating tensions and the risk of conflict in the region.
Negotiations for the COC began in 2018, building upon previous agreements like the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. While there was some optimism after the third reading of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text, recent meetings, such as the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Malaysia, have reiterated the need for an effective and substantive COC that aligns with international law, including the UNCLOS treaty. A revised strategy is crucial to address conflicting sovereignty claims and move towards a binding code.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
