Manila, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is optimistic that negotiations for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea will conclude this year.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro stated this during the 9th Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting in Manila.
Noting positive progress in the COC negotiations, Lazaro urged all parties to maintain the momentum generated by the monthly meetings between Philippine and Chinese officials.
Lazaro also acknowledged Malaysia’s role as a co-chair of the negotiations alongside China and other ASEAN member states.
The Philippines and Malaysia exchanged views regarding illegal and coercive actions that violate the rights and entitlements of coastal states, including provisions under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other international laws.
The DFA also hopes that the COC will resolve sensitive issues between the Philippines and China.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported an increasing number of Chinese vessels sighted in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite this, the AFP assured that troops would continue lawful operations within Philippine waters in the West Philippine Sea.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News