Manila: The Code of Conduct (CoC) on the South China Sea is expected to be finalised at the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, scheduled for November, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said. He mentioned that the CoC, which aims to ensure the South China Sea remains a free, safe, and accessible waterway for all, still requires consensus on several key paragraphs among the countries involved.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad emphasized the importance of finalizing the CoC for all ASEAN countries, particularly the ASEAN littoral states with vested interests in the South China Sea. He noted that once established, the CoC would enable ASEAN nations to use its platform to address any issues that arise in the area. The CoC will serve as a guiding document covering freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and other related matters.
Mohamad shared these insights after co-chairing the ASEAN-China Post-Ministerial Conference with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. This aligns with Malaysia's role as the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations Country Coordinator for the 2024-2027 period. The conference occurred alongside the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, under the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship 2026 theme, Navigating Our Future, Together.
He further elaborated that the CoC is based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Discussions also included strengthening trade between ASEAN and China, particularly through enhancements to the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0. Mohamad stated that there are plans to upgrade the FTA protocols to streamline trade, considering new developments in technology and trade forms since the initial agreement.
Additionally, Mohamad mentioned discussions on China's potential role in assisting ASEAN in addressing the situation in Myanmar. He stressed the need for any support to be channeled through the ASEAN platform to avoid excessive external intervention. Mohamad concluded by noting that ASEAN has requested China to continue its support in developing artificial intelligence technology and other related areas.