Asean resumes push for code of conduct
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) renewed its push for the immediate conclusion of negotiations for a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS) to manage disputes and reduce tensions in disputed maritime areas.
At the conclusion of the 48th Asean Leaders’ Meeting and Related Summits in Cebu on Friday, the bloc called for the “full and effective implementation” of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), signed on Nov. 4, 2002, by the member-states and China, to maintain peace and stability in the SCS.
At a press conference following the summit, President Marcos expressed optimism that there would be a COC by year-end, acknowledging that the situation in the SCS has become “more unreadable.”
“So, again, that is one of our aspirations as chair of ASEAN for 2026, that we find at the end of the year, that we actually have a code of conduct,” said Mr. Marcos, who chaired the annual meeting.
While the regional bloc welcomed the progress in the ongoing talks, it called for the full use of guidelines to expedite the conclusion of an “effective” COC in the SCS endorsed by the Foreign Ministers of Asean and China in 2023.
The member-states stressed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint to maintain peace and stability and avoid actions that may complicate or escalate disputes in the hotly contested waters.
They also emphasized the importance of upholding international laws, such as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), as well as building confidence and trust among concerned parties.
“[We] looked forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 Unclos,” Mr. Marcos added in a statement released Saturday.
Asean also reaffirmed its commitment to the Five-Point Consensus as the primary framework in addressing the political crisis in Myanmar.
This comes as the members of the regional bloc expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of conflict and the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, according to the Asean chair’s statement released on Saturday.
The leaders noted “minimal progress” on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, which calls for immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue and humanitarian assistance.
Continuing violence
The Asean leaders also denounced the “continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities.”
The member-states, nevertheless, welcomed the continued progress of the provision of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar by the Asean Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Center) to implement Point 4 of the consensus.
They also lauded Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the Special Envoy of the Asean chair on Myanmar, for her efforts to engage “a wide and diverse range of Myanmar stakeholders,” reflecting the bloc’s commitment to an “inclusive and lasting solution to the crisis that is Myanmar-owned and -led.”
Despite the latest developments, Asean reaffirmed that Myanmar remains an integral part of the regional bloc, noting the conclusion of the three phases of Naypyidaw’s general elections.
Asean member-states also viewed the release of more than 4,000 prisoners in Myanmar, including U Win Myint, the subsequent release of more than 1,500 prisoners and the transfer of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to a designated residence as a “positive step towards inclusive national dialogue among all parties in Myanmar.”
