Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has called on Southeast Asian leaders to fast track a long-delayed code of conduct for the South China Sea – but analysts at a recent maritime forum in Manila believe the agreement is more likely a decade away, if it happens at all.
Speaking at the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Marcos said: “We underscore the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea. This is to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations at sea.”
The code of conduct – under negotiation since 2002 between Asean and China – aims to reduce tensions in the disputed waterway by setting rules for maritime behaviour and crisis management. Talks have stalled repeatedly over the years amid tensions over territorial claims and competing national interests.
The president’s remarks came just days after the inaugural Asean Maritime Security 2025 forum was held in Manila. More than 70 maritime experts, officials and academics from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations from May 21 to 23 gathered to discuss regional challenges.
At the forum, a senior Malaysian official expressed optimism that the code could be finalised by next year, when the Philippines assumes the rotating Asean chairmanship. Malaysia is Asean chair this year.
