Mon Apr 14 07:49:06 UTC 2025: **Philippines Raises South China Sea Concerns During ASEAN-China Talks**
MANILA, April 14, 2025 – The Philippines raised concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea during recent negotiations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China on a code of conduct for the disputed waters. The talks, held from April 9-11 in the Philippines, saw Manila highlight incidents endangering its vessels and personnel.
The Philippine foreign ministry stated that the country reiterated its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and constructive diplomacy. However, tensions remain high between China and its Southeast Asian neighbours, with relations between China and the Philippines particularly strained due to ongoing confrontations. Recent incidents, such as alleged dangerous manoeuvres by the Chinese navy near a Philippine coast guard aircraft in February, have fueled these tensions.
While ASEAN and China pledged to create a code of conduct in 2002, progress has been slow. The recent negotiations addressed “milestone issues,” including the code’s scope and potential legal binding nature. China’s claim to most of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 arbitration ruling against its claim, remains a major point of contention. The Philippines emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitration award.
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