PH Urges ASEAN to Finalize South China Sea Code of Conduct: Marcos Stresses Importance of Legally Binding Agreement
Philippines Pushes for Stronger South China Sea Governance
Kuala Lumpur – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has once again underscored the Philippines' commitment to a robust and legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. Speaking on Monday, he urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to move beyond discussions and take decisive action towards finalizing the agreement, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region.
The President's renewed call comes amidst ongoing tensions and overlapping claims in the contested waters. The COC aims to establish rules and guidelines for behavior among claimant states, preventing escalations and ensuring responsible conduct. While negotiations have been ongoing for several years, progress has been slow, and a legally binding agreement remains elusive.
Why a Legally Binding COC is Crucial
Marcos Jr. emphasized that a legally binding COC is not merely a desirable outcome but a necessity. He argued that such an agreement would provide a clear framework for resolving disputes peacefully, deterring aggressive actions, and protecting the rights of all parties involved. Without a legally binding COC, the existing guidelines are often seen as non-enforceable, leaving the region vulnerable to misunderstandings and potential conflicts.
“We believe that a legally binding Code of Conduct is essential to ensure the stability and security of the region,” President Marcos Jr. stated. “It is crucial that ASEAN member states work together to finalize this agreement as soon as possible.”
ASEAN's Role and Challenges
ASEAN plays a vital role in mediating the South China Sea dispute, which involves multiple claimant states including the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The COC negotiations are led by ASEAN, with China as a key negotiating partner. However, reaching a consensus has been challenging due to differing national interests and concerns about sovereignty.
China has consistently expressed reservations about a legally binding COC, preferring a non-binding agreement. However, many ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, believe that a legally binding COC is the only way to ensure its effective implementation and enforcement.
The Philippines' Position
The Philippines has been a strong advocate for a legally binding COC, consistently emphasizing the importance of upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The country has also been actively pursuing bilateral and multilateral efforts to assert its sovereign rights in the South China Sea, including challenging China's expansive claims through legal means.
Looking Ahead
The Philippines’ call for a legally binding COC highlights the growing urgency of addressing the South China Sea dispute. As tensions continue to rise, a strong and enforceable framework is needed to prevent further escalations and safeguard the region's stability. The coming months will be critical for ASEAN and China to demonstrate their commitment to peaceful resolution and finalize the long-awaited Code of Conduct. The Philippines remains dedicated to working collaboratively with ASEAN member states to achieve this vital objective, ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for the region.