Philippines to push for binding South China Sea code in 2026 – will it succeed?
Four Asean states – Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines – have competing claims against Beijing in the
South China Sea , yet disputed areas in the Philippines have become prominent flashpoints for these tensions.
'We will certainly try, because a code of conduct is very, very important,' Marcos said, adding that his country's maritime zones had become the most volatile parts of the waterway.
An international tribunal ruled in favour of the Philippines' claims in 2016. Beijing has constantly rejected the decision and upheld its nine-dash-line claim, which it says is based on historical accounts.
According to Marcos, a COC would outline acceptable and appropriate behaviour while preventing actions that could further provoke tensions among claimant states, including ship collisions and the construction of artificial islands.
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