Asean and China Must Address "Milestone Issues" in South China Sea Code of Conduct
LANGKAWI: The regional bloc Asean and China should make headway on a protracted code of conduct for the South China Sea by tackling thorny "milestone issues", including its scope and if it can be legally binding, the Philippines’ top diplomat said on Saturday.
Slow Progress on Code of Conduct
The South China Sea remains a source of tension between China and neighbours the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, with ties between Beijing and US ally Manila at their worst in years amid frequent confrontations that have sparked concerns they could spiral into conflict. Asean and China pledged in 2002 to create a code of conduct, but took 15 years to start discussions and progress has been slow.
Time to Address "Milestone Issues"
In an interview ahead of Sunday’s meeting with his Asean counterparts in Langkawi, Philippine foreign minister Enrique Manalo said discussions on a code were well underway, but it was time to start thrashing out the meatier, trickier aspects. "It’s time that we try to look at issues which are, in our view, essential, which have not really been discussed in a thorough way or even much less negotiated. These are the so-called milestone issues," Manalo told Reuters.
Key Issues to be Addressed
Manalo identified the code’s scope, whether it is legally binding, and its impact on third-party countries as key issues to be addressed. "We have to begin addressing these important issues," Manalo added. "This might be the best way to at least move the negotiation forward."
China’s Claims and the 2016 Arbitration Ruling
Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which it asserts through a fleet of coast guard and fishing militia that some neighbours accuse of aggression and of disrupting fishing and energy activities in their exclusive economic zones. China insists it operates lawfully in its territory and does not recognise a 2016 arbitration ruling that said its claim has no basis under international law.
US Interests Remain Unscaled
Manalo also said that as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, there was no sign the US would reassess its engagement in Southeast Asia. "We haven’t heard any or seen any indication of scaling down or any kind of particular change," he said. "We have to wait until the administration actually takes over. But from what we’ve seen so far, US interests are still there."
Myanmar’s Election
Manalo said the civil war in military-ruled Myanmar remains a big challenge for Asean, which has barred the generals from meetings for failing to implement the bloc’s peace plan. The junta plans to hold an election this year in which its opponents either cannot run, or refuse to contest. Manalo said it was premature to discuss if Asean would make preconditions for recognising the election, which he said must involve as much of the population as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Philippines’ top diplomat has emphasized the need for Asean and China to address the "milestone issues" in the South China Sea code of conduct, which includes the code’s scope, its legal bindingness, and its impact on third-party countries. The code of conduct is essential to prevent the South China Sea from becoming a flashpoint in the region.
FAQs
Q: What are the "milestone issues" in the South China Sea code of conduct?
A: The "milestone issues" include the code’s scope, whether it is legally binding, and its impact on third-party countries.
Q: Why is the South China Sea a source of tension in the region?
A: The South China Sea is a source of tension because of China’s claims of sovereignty over the region, which are disputed by its neighbours.
Q: What is the Philippines’ stance on the South China Sea issue?
A: The Philippines supports a code of conduct in the South China Sea and has been pushing for its implementation.
Q: What is the current state of the US engagement in Southeast Asia?
A: The US has been engaged in Southeast Asia, but there is no indication that it will scale back its engagement.