MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte underscored the importance of having a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea during his meeting with the officials of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Senator Bong Go revealed Tuesday.
“The President emphasized the need to fast track the Asean-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea so everybody will be put at ease and for everyone to know what routes to follow and what alleys to avoid when sailing,” Go told reporters at the Senate.
Duterte met with Chongqing party chief Chen Min’er and other members CPC in a courtesy call at the Palace’s Music Room on Monday night.
Go, who was present at the meeting, however, said that the joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China was not discussed.
During Duterte’s visit to China in late August where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two leaders agreed to fast track the negotiations to finalize the COC in the South China Sea.
“Acknowledging the importance of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to regional peace and stability, the two Presidents expressed determination to fast track negotiations for the conclusion of an effective and substantive COC at the soonest possible time,” the Palace said in a statement./ac