PH eyes fast-tracking of talks on South China Sea Code

The Philippines plans to fast-track the conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea when it assumes chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.

- By RAYMUND ANTONIO

This was disclosed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Monday, July 14.

Noting that the ASEAN foreign ministers set the deadline for the conclusion of the negotiations for the COC in 2026, the official said that a technical working group hosted by ASEAN member-states and China will be held in the coming months.

"All of these are, as you mentioned, fast tracking, but of course, in its own time frame and the discussions being really, really intensely discussed.

Hopefully, we can have something in 2026 during our chairship, as mandated by the foreign ministers, in 2023," she added.