The Philippines finds itself at the center of a strategic contest, rallying Southeast Asian neighbors and Western partners against China’s expanding assertiveness in the South China Sea, as it prepares to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next year. Manila is seeking to accelerate talks on a long-delayed Code of Conduct (CoC) for the disputed waters, aiming to bring negotiations closer to conclusion before it assumes the bloc’s chairmanship in 2026 — a role it will take a year earlier than expected after Myanmar declined its turn.

Halili, A. H. (2025, September 8). South China Sea code unlikely to be passed soon — analysts. BusinessWorld, pp. S5/1-8, S5/2.