KUCHING: The Asean-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), scheduled here tomorrow, will also serve as a key platform to accelerate negotiations towards finalising a Code of Conduct (COC) for the disputed waters.
Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said the main focus of the meeting is to ensure all parties continue to respect the principles agreed under the DOC, which form the foundation of good relations in the region.
“In addition, the meeting will intensify negotiations to finalise the South China Sea Code of Conduct with a target of completion by or before July 2026.
“We need to step up negotiations more aggressively and proactively so that the COC draft can be finalised according to schedule,” he said after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi here today.
He said the gathering, which brings together senior officials from Asean member states and China, is also part of efforts to strengthen regional ties and cooperation.
“The discussions will focus on measures to ensure peace, security and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
“The South China Sea has increasingly become the focus of international attention, not only for Asean and China but also for countries outside the region.
“Therefore, close cooperation is essential to maintain stability,” Amran added.
In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said the meeting aims to further enhance the implementation of the DOC, signed on Nov 4, 2002 by Asean member states and China.
– Bernama
TAGS: ASEAN–China, DOC, COC, South China Sea, diplomacy, negotiations
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