Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday that negotiations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on a South China Sea Code of Conduct (CoC) were making progress despite persistent disagreements.
– “We’re working very, very hard, we’re making good progress as a matter of fact, in terms of the code of conduct,” Marcos told the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
– He acknowledged difficulties in the negotiations, saying even the definitions of ordinary words had become contentious.
– “My greatest fear is that some seaman, some soldier just makes a mistake, and that mistake turns into something that goes out of control,” he said.
– Marcos arrived in Singapore on Wednesday for a five-day visit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and attracting investment in emerging industries.
– The state-owned Philippine Information Agency said his itinerary includes talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and a visit to Singapore’s Nuclear Research and Safety Institute.
– ASEAN and China adopted a nonbinding declaration governing conduct in the disputed waters in 2002, but negotiations on a substantive agreement have continued for years.
– Manila has repeatedly accused Chinese vessels of dangerous maneuvers against Philippine ships, while Beijing maintains its maritime claims.
– ASEAN and China aim to conclude CoC negotiations by the end of 2026.