PHILIPPINES PUSHES FOR COMPLETION OF SOUTH CHINA SEA CODE OF CONDUCT BY 2026

The Philippines is pushing for the completion of a long-delayed South China Sea Code of Conduct by the end of 2026, as monthly negotiations are now underway to resolve key outstanding issues, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said.

Speaking at a forum in Washington, D.C., Lazaro noted that ASEAN and China are working toward a 2023 deadline to finalize the agreement within three years.

She said major sticking points remain, including the scope of the code, its legal binding nature, and its relationship with the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Despite progress in more frequent talks, she acknowledged that even basic definitions, such as self-restraint, are still unresolved after nearly a decade of negotiations.

The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, is also insisting that the agreement remain aligned with UNCLOS and warning against a weak outcome, citing the importance of keeping the South China Sea open and stable for global trade.

Source: PhilNews24 | June 11, 2026