Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro is hopeful that the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will witness the completion of the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea amid escalating regional tensions between China, the Philippines, and the other claimants.

“It's almost several years that this discussion is going on and I think there is already a sense among ASEAN and China that a code of conduct will be concluded,” she said in a press conference for the launch of the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026 on Monday, Nov. 17.

“Confidence, if you are asking about confidence, I go back to the decision taken by the foreign ministers in 2023 that they already mandated that this code of conduct should be finished within three years,” she added, noting that the intention is to finalize negotiations by July 2026.

The DFA chief shared that a supposed meeting with China was postponed, but that this will be the “last” under Malaysia’s leadership.

The finalization of the COC will, however, make up the discussions during the foreign ministers’ retreat in January next year with the Philippines leading the way.

“It is indeed our intention and I think it is also the aspiration of ASEAN even China to finish and to come up with a Code of Conduct,” Lazaro said, stressing that the Philippines wants the agreement to be legally binding.

However, the DFA chief also admitted that as chair of the ASEAN summits and related meetings, the Philippines must focus on the regional bloc’s issues in terms of completing the COC.

“So basically, as ASEAN chair, you're going to be the chair for ASEAN. So, issues concerning the behavior of partners, let me set aside because we are not preparing to sign that as a signature requirement,” she said.

“We are the chair of ASEAN, so the issues of ASEAN should be first and foremost. There is always an opportunity for bilateral discussions,” the official added.

Lazaro expressed confidence that the Philippines can push for the finalization of the Code, citing in-person and virtual meetings, the involvement of the 11-member ASEAN bloc, and several milestones reached.

“We just have to continue,” she stressed.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea by sending a fleet of coast guard and fishing militia that the Philippines and other claimants see as aggression because these activities disrupt fishing activities in the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of most claimant-countries.

Tensions between the Philippines and China, as well as with the United States and other allies, have also soared. Beijing has accused Washington of meddling in regional affairs, while the US and other Western nations have pointed out that China’s actions are destabilizing peace, security, and prosperity in the region.