The Philippines is pushing for the completion of the framework for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (SCS) to ease the tension over clashing claims in the area during its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo said the crafting of the Code of Conduct is one of the main priorities of this year’s regional summit in the country, so that disputes can be managed in a peaceful and in a non-confrontational way,” he said. Back in 2002, the ASEAN and China forged a Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea amid the growing tension among claimant nations. But they have yet to finalize a binding set of rules to govern conduct in the disputed sea.

Kabiling, G. D. (2017, January 6). PH pushing for completion of SCS Code of Conduct at ASEAN summit. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 12.