By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines (AA) - The Philippines’ top diplomat expressed hope Wednesday that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China could conclude by mid-2017 a framework for a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea.
The Philippines and China are among the countries, several of them ASEAN member states, with conflicting claims in the sea -- parts of which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea.
A Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea was signed by ASEAN states and China in 2002, but only indicated an intention for the countries to sign a self-binding code of conduct. That has not been signed.
On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay was quoted by GMA News as saying that the Philippines -- which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year -- hopes that a framework for a code of conduct would include key elements and principles for a legally-binding document
“We will intensify efforts completion of framework by the first half of the year,” Yasay told reporters. “We continue to have discussions with officials and talks are ongoing.”
President Rodrigo Duterte has undertaken efforts to improve ties with Beijing -- a shift from the policy of his predecessor Benigno Aquino III whose administration filed a successful arbitration case over China’s perceived “aggression” in the disputed waters.
Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea including a cluster of islands, reefs and atolls further south called the Spratlys.
China has built man-made islands on seven reefs in the sea, a move that has sparked tensions and triggered concerns among several nations, including the U.S.
The area is a critical asset for global shipping and fishing, as it sees over $5 trillion in maritime trade every year.