Manila: The Philippines on Monday announced its intention to finalize a long-delayed code of conduct for the South China Sea by the time it chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026. Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro emphasized the country's commitment to accelerating the work on this crucial agreement, which is designed to manage the ongoing tensions between ASEAN member states and China over the disputed maritime region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Secretary Lazaro stated that the Philippines is committed to upholding the commitments made by regional leaders in 2023 to expedite the completion of the code. The proposed code of conduct has been a subject of discussion since 2002, and its conclusion is seen as a significant step toward regional stability.

"There is already a sense among ASEAN and China that a code of conduct will be concluded," Lazaro remarked during a press conference in Pasay City, as reported by Philstar. She further detailed that all ASEAN member states are actively involved in the discussions, with progress being made on defining terms and setting milestones.

In 2023, the foreign ministers of ASEAN and China endorsed guidelines aimed at speeding up the process, agreeing to target the finalization of the code within three years. The Philippines, as the future chair of the 11-member bloc, plans to prioritize regional interests over bilateral disputes during its tenure.

Lazaro highlighted that issues concerning bilateral matters with China will not be the focus during the Philippines' chairmanship. "We are not talking to China as a bilateral partner," she stated. "We are the chair of ASEAN."

The ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines, a key ally of the United States, over competing claims in the South China Sea underscore the importance of establishing a formal code of conduct to manage such disputes.