ASEAN foreign ministers reported significant progress on the South China Sea Code of Conduct during a meeting in Manila on Friday [1].

The agreement aims to establish a framework for maritime security and regional stability. This is critical as Southeast Asian nations seek to manage overlapping territorial claims and avoid escalation in contested waters.

During the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting [1], officials said they are "endeavoring to conclude" negotiations for a substantive and effective code [2]. The ministers said they made "significant progress" in the talks [1].

While some reports indicate a target to finish the negotiations by the end of 2024 [1], other sources suggest a target of 2026 [3]. The discrepancy highlights the complexity of reaching a consensus among the member states and China.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for urgency regarding the maritime framework. "We need to speed up negotiations on the code of conduct," Marcos said [4].

The talks in Manila occurred amid a broader landscape of global security threats. Ministers said they discussed the impact of instability in the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting concerns over energy security [1].

The Code of Conduct is intended to provide a set of rules that govern behavior in the South China Sea to prevent accidental conflicts. The push for a finalized document reflects the ongoing pressure to resolve maritime disputes through diplomatic channels rather than military posturing [4].

“"significant progress" in negotiations on the long‑awaited Code of Conduct”

The push to finalize a Code of Conduct signals an attempt by ASEAN to create a predictable legal environment in the South China Sea. However, the conflicting timelines—ranging from late 2024 to 2026—suggest that while diplomatic momentum exists, the actual reconciliation of sovereignty claims remains a slow and difficult process.