The Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN) will intensify efforts towards achieving the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea ( DOC) and work vigorously towards the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct ( COC) on the South China Sea. This development came as Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario called on ASEAN to respond to China’s continuing reclamation activities in the South China Sea during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in Kota Kinabalu. “The massive reclamation issue presents a strategic policy dilemma for ASEAN,” said Secretary Del Rosario.

Mabasa, R. C. (2015, January 30). ASEAN to focus on members' sea dispute with China. Manila Bulletin, p. 5.