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.
“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.”
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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.
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.
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.
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