Kuala lumpur: The Philippines is hopeful that the long-awaited Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea will be finalized and ready for signing under its chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026. During a pre-departure briefing on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s participation in the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Angelica Escalona stated that Manila would work closely with ASEAN member states to push for the early conclusion of the code once it leads the regional bloc.

According to Philippines News Agency, Escalona emphasized, "As regards to the Code of Conduct, well as the incoming chair, the Philippines will work with ASEAN member-states and China for the conclusion of an effective, substantive and legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea." When pressed if the COC is expected to be finished for signing by 2026, she expressed optimism about the timeline.

The proposed COC builds on the 2002 Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea and seeks to provide a set of rules to manage tension in the South China Sea, where several states are locked in a maritime dispute. At the closing of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct. 26 to 28, Malaysia will formally turn over the chairship to President Marcos.

Beyond maritime issues, Escalona indicated that the Philippines, together with ASEAN member states, will also engage China on various areas, including improving economic cooperation within the region. She explained, "When we talk about our relations with China, [the] West Philippine Sea is not the sum total of our relations with China. So, we do cooperate with China on other areas including on the economic pillar of ASEAN."

One of the key agreements up for signing at the summit is the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade.