Department of Foreign Affairs (File photo from Official Gazette)
MANILA, Philippines — Discussions on the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) will continue, but it will take time.
This is the statement of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Asean Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu in a mix of English and Filipino during a briefing in the Palace.
Philippines recently hosted a three-day discussion on the COC in South China Sea.
“At most, there will be a report on what happened during the last meeting in the Philippines on the Joint Working Group on the COC,” Espiritu reported.
“But nothing definitive yet in terms of what is being said, whether legally binding or non-legally binding, and other issues,” he said.
“It’s a very methodical process. So, we cannot rush this,” he added.
Espiritu explained differing national interests can affect the compliance of countries to the COC.
“We will have to come up with a compromise every step of the way. It has been happening for already a long time. So, I think it will take a little bit longer para matapos ito (so that this will be finished),” said Espiritu.
Tension in West Philippine Sea escalated after China’s water cannon attack against Philippine Coast Guard.
China also said Philippine government had promised to withdraw BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal.
This alleged vow was refuted by Philippines.
On Thursday, China came out with a “10-dash map” that expanded its territorial claims in South China Sea.
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