MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is optimistic the framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea will be completed during the country’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit this year.
Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said they hope to finish the framework of the code by mid-2017.
“There is a strong level of commitment between the ASEAN and China to discuss and complete this framework of the code of conduct,” which he said would “the basis for the negotiation of the actual code of conduct,” which is meant to peacefully manage territorial disputes in the vital waterway.
Aside from China and the Philippines, other countries with competing claims in the area are Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.
“ASEAN wants to maintain centrality as a peaceful force in the region. Definitely, all these issues which are causing tensions right now, I’m sure will be discussed by the leaders” during the 30th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings from April 26 to 29, Bolivar said.
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Bolivar said China would participate in the ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in November.
