ASEAN aims to finish South China Sea code of conduct this year

ASEAN is targeting completion of negotiations on a South China Sea code of conduct, or Code of Conduct (CoC), in 2026, with international law including UNCLOS 1982 as the basis. The commitment was reaffirmed in a joint communique after the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines. Indonesia Foreign Minister Sugiono earlier urged completion of an effective and substantive CoC this year, saying the region should be governed by rules, not power. The communique said ministers welcomed progress in the talks but also highlighted land reclamation, activities that endanger safety at sea, and serious incidents that erode trust and raise tensions. ASEAN called on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid militarization and keep the South China Sea safe for navigation and overflight.