Is a South China Sea code of conduct feasible?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr wants to finalise the long-delayed South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) between Asean and China by the end of the Philippines' chairmanship of Asean in 2026.

- Mara Cepeda

Even then, enforcement may prove contentious.Despite numerous encounters with Chinese vessels, Mr Leonardo Cuaresma’s community of fishermen continue to make for Bajo de Masinloc, known internationally as Scarborough Shoal. The 150 sq km coral atoll is an important fishing ground contested by several countries.

“Today, Masinloc fishermen can’t enter the shoal. Chinese ships are there 24/7,” said Mr Cuaresma, a community leader and president of the New Masinloc Fishermen's Association. On some days, he says, China Coast Guard vessels sail as close as 30 nautical miles from Masinloc’s shore.