Envoy hopes for decision on South China Sea COC at Bangkok summit |

Envoy hopes for decision on South China Sea COC at Bangkok summit

By: - Reporter / @KAguilarINQ
/ 02:22 PM November 01, 2019

Envoy hopes for decision on South China Sea COC at Bangkok summit

Map showing disputed claims in the South China Sea. Includes locations for Reed Bank and Benham Rise, where Chinese survey ships were seen last year, according to the Philippine government. AFP FILE

BANGKOK — Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon has expressed hope for the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea during the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Thailand to “greatly help reduce tension” in the region.

The Philippines serves as coordinator of the Asean-China dialogue partnership from 2018 to 2021, which includes negotiations for the COC.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Yes, as a country coordinator for the Asean-China Dialogue, I believe it is to the interest of Asean that we look forward to an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea,” Bernardo-Aragon said Thursday in an interview at the embassy here.

FEATURED STORIES

“I think this will greatly help reduce tension in the region which is, that should be conducive to the sustained economic growth of the region which is a common interest to all Asean member countries,” she added.

Bernardo-Aragon pointed out the progress in the talks that may lead to an early conclusion of the crafting of the COC.

Article continues after this advertisement

“So we try to look at it in that aspect to conclude, to have an early conclusion on the Code of Conduct. We see some progress in the talks and there are continuing talks for an early conclusion of the COC,” she said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Discussions on the COC are “unavoidable” during the 35th Asean Summit but “intensive negotiations” could not be expected, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Junever Mahilum-West earlier said.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: South China Sea Code of Conduct talks likely in Asean Summit – DFA official

President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier agreed to fast track the negotiations in finalizing the COC in the hotly-contested South China Sea.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Duterte, Xi agree to ‘fast track’ code of conduct in South China Sea — Palace

/kga

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: ASEAN, Asia, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, Code of Conduct, Diplomacy, Global Nation, local news, nation, national news, News, Philippine news updates, Philippines, Politics, sea dispute, sea row, South China Sea, sovereignty, Territory, Thailand, West Philippine Sea

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.