Manila:Negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea have reached 70% completion, as reported by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for ASEAN Affairs Dax Imperial stated that while there are still issues that need clarification and certain elements that require refinement, the negotiations are making progress. The next round of negotiations does not have a set date yet, but the COC will be a topic of discussion at the upcoming ASEAN ministerial meetings on November 14 and at the 49th ASEAN Leaders' Summit.

Imperial noted that there is no definitive timeline for the conclusion of the negotiations, but all parties involved are committed to continuing discussions. He emphasized that 70% of the negotiations have been completed, with the remaining 30% depending on the negotiators' efforts.

The spokesperson highlighted the Marcos administration's goal to conclude the negotiations by year-end while ensuring that the Philippines' positions and desired elements are included in the COC. The Philippines is advocating for the COC to guide the behavior of all parties in the South China Sea and to respect the rights of third parties not involved in the negotiations.

Key issues in the negotiations include the relationship between the COC and the non-binding Declaration of Conduct (DOC) in the South China Sea, the legal binding nature of the final document, its geographical scope, and the definition of terms such as self-restraint. The proposed COC has been in development for years and aims to establish rules to manage tensions in the disputed region.