Philippines Says China Is Blocking 23-Year South China Sea Code Talks
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · May 31
Philippines Says China Is Blocking 23-Year South China Sea Code Talks
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · May 31
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Beijing is the main obstacle to a South China Sea code of conduct, arguing the problem lies with China rather than ASEAN.
Since 2002, ASEAN and China have negotiated the code to set rules for maritime behavior and crisis management in the disputed waterway, but the pact remains unfinished.
Teodoro said ASEAN is united on the issue and questioned why a new code is needed when binding norms already exist under UNCLOS and the UN Charter.
The remarks sharpen pressure on China over a process meant to reduce tensions in one of Asia’s most contested maritime flashpoints.
China ignored a binding UN ruling, so why would a new South China Sea code actually work?
Will the Philippines' hardline stance as ASEAN chair help or hinder the finalization of a sea code?
Stalled at the Brink: The 2026 South China Sea Code of Conduct Negotiations and the Risks of Unchecked Competition
Overview
As of May 2026, negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea are at a critical point, with ASEAN and China reviewing progress on the existing Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) and holding talks to advance the COC. Despite optimism from ASEAN’s Secretary-General about concluding the COC this year, the process remains stalled due to deep mistrust, unresolved sovereignty disputes, and ongoing incidents at sea. The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, faces the challenge of finalizing a legally binding COC amid rising tensions and complex regional dynamics, making a breakthrough unlikely in the near term.