ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said he is optimistic that ASEAN and China could conclude negotiations on a South China Sea Code of Conduct [1, 2].
The agreement aims to manage maritime tensions in one of the world's most contested waterways, where disputes have persisted for more than two decades [1]. A finalized code would establish formal rules of behavior to prevent accidental escalation between regional navies and coast guards.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Kao Kim Hourn said that both sides possess the confidence, commitment, and political will to finish the long-awaited agreement [1, 3]. He said that the process is moving toward a concrete resolution after years of diplomatic deadlock.
"We are confident that the Code of Conduct can be concluded in 2026," Kao Kim Hourn said [1].
However, not all regional leaders share this optimism. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed a different view on the progress of the talks. Teodoro said that Beijing remains the main hurdle to a South China Sea Code of Conduct [2].
Despite these contradictions, the ASEAN chief said that the political will exists to finalize the deal [3]. The negotiations involve multiple Southeast Asian nations and China, attempting to balance sovereignty claims with the need for regional stability.
Kao Kim Hourn said that the target year for concluding the Code of Conduct is 2026 [1]. This timeline suggests a push to resolve the framework within the next two years as maritime frictions continue to rise in the region.
“We are confident that the Code of Conduct can be concluded in 2026.”
The gap between the ASEAN Secretary-General's optimism and the Philippine Defence Secretary's skepticism highlights a divide within the bloc. While the administrative leadership of ASEAN seeks a diplomatic timeline for 2026, frontline states facing direct maritime confrontations with China remain wary of Beijing's willingness to accept a binding or restrictive code.
