CHINA PUSHES FOR SEA CODE, IT PREVIOUSLY RESISTED, WITH PH LEADING ASEAN

China’s new ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, called on Tuesday for the swift completion of the long-delayed South China Sea code of conduct between ASEAN and Beijing by the end of 2026.

He cited the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship as an opportunity to accelerate talks that have stalled for over two decades, largely over whether the code should be legally binding.

China has resisted a binding agreement and proposed measures that could give it veto power over regional military exercises and limit oil and gas development to bordering countries.

ASEAN and China aim to finalize the code by July 2026, with negotiations now in their “final phase,” though disagreements over enforcement, geographic scope, and penalties remain.

Jing struck a mixed tone, highlighting the benefits of stability and improved China-Philippines relations while warning that Beijing would respond firmly to perceived attacks or smears.

Source: PhilNews24 | January 22, 2026