Talks to sign South China Sea code ramping up Asean sources

SINGAPORE – Talks between Asean and China to sign the long-delayed South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) are ramping up, with differences closer to being ironed out than before.

Sources tell The Straits Times that the fresh momentum to ink the code – which sets out ways for Asean and China to peacefully manage conflicts in the disputed South China Sea – is partially driven by Beijing’s desire to constrain the actions of other claimant states, as well as to pre-empt any moves in the region by the new US administration under President Donald Trump.

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