A China Coast Guard ship monitors Philippine fishermen aboard their wooden boats during the distribution of fuel and food to fishers by the civilian-led mission Atin Ito (This Is Ours) Coalition, in the disputed South China Sea on May 16, 2024. A Philippine boat convoy bearing supplies for Filipino fishers said they were headed back to port May 16, ditching plans to sail to a Beijing-held reef off the Southeast Asian country after one of their boats was “constantly shadowed” by a Chinese vessel. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has urged parties negotiating a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (SCS) to maintain the pace of their talks and push ahead with discussions on remaining sensitive issues, expressing optimism that negotiations could conclude within the year.
Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made the call after cochairing the ninth Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan in Manila on Tuesday.
Lazaro said the government welcomes the positive progress in the negotiations, including Malaysia’s contributions as co-chair of the talks with China.
Article continues after this advertisement
“The Philippines urges all parties to maintain the momentum brought about by the monthly frequency of meetings and advance further the in-depth discussions on the remaining sensitive issues,” she said in a statement. “We remain optimistic about the conclusion of the negotiations within the year.”
READ: Asean, China target year-end SCS code of conduct
READ: PH hopeful Asean, China to adopt South China Sea code of conduct in 2026
Illegal, coercive actions
Lazaro added that she and Hasan also exchanged views on concerns over “illegal and coercive actions” that infringe on the rights and entitlements of coastal states.
Both sides likewise underscored the importance of self-restraint and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or Unclos, she said.
Article continues after this advertisement
The South China Sea was among the regional and international issues discussed during the meeting, along with developments in Myanmar, the Cambodia-Thailand border issue and the Middle East.
Lazaro said the Philippines and Malaysia also reaffirmed their commitment to international law and the rules-based order, effective diplomacy and stronger platforms for engagement and cooperation. At the same time, both parties discussed defense and security cooperation, including growing ties between their armed forces and the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement among the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Article continues after this advertisement
Protection for Pinoys
On labor cooperation, Lazaro said she and Hasan discussed Malaysian labor policies and explored ways to strengthen social protections for migrant workers, including Filipinos living and working in Malaysia.
The two sides also committed to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in the digital economy, including digital creative content and artificial intelligence.
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.
