The Philippines is rushing to finish long-delayed rules for the South China Sea as China becomes more aggressive in the West Philippine Sea region. Manila hopes the long-awaited Code of Conduct can finally be completed when it leads the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines will make the agreement a top priority next year.
Why the Philippines Is Pushing Hard on the Code of Conduct
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including areas in the West Philippine Sea that belong to the Philippines. Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia continue to block Filipino fishermen, follow patrol vessels, and carry out dangerous maneuvers at sea.
Because of rising tensions, ASEAN foreign ministers agreed back in 2023 that talks on the Code of Conduct should be finished by July 2026. But progress has been slow, with China delaying key discussions.
The Philippines
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