The Philippines will ensure that the South China Sea will remain a sea of peace and stability following China's expression of openness to expedite the conclusion of negotiations for a sea conduct under Manila's chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Both countries' willingness to iron out tensions at sea is a remarkable development in the negotiations of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) following a decade-long stalemate.

China, which claims the entire South China Sea, recently expressed confidence and resolve "to reach an agreement as soon as possible" as the future COC "will provide the golden rules for the parties to effectively manage differences, build trust, and advance cooperation."

"We also hope that as this year’s ASEAN Chair, the Philippines will recognize and fulfill its responsibility, resist the pull of self-interest, and play a positive role for peace and stability in the region," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a statement on March 8.

In response, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said Wednesday, March 11, that the Philippines has taken note of Wang's recent statement, and "as ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines approaches this issue with a clear sense of responsibility to the region and to the international community."

"The Philippines is committed to taking credible, professional, and steady stewardship of the ASEAN Chairship this year as we seek collective solutions to regional concerns, including in the maritime domain," Lazaro said.

"As such, the Philippines is committed to ensuring that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, stability, and cooperation, and to working constructively with all ASEAN Member States and China to conclude an effective, substantive, and legally binding Code of Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (COC) within the year in line with the agreed guidelines," she added.

Lazaro maintained that the Philippines has always advocated for a COC that's consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It must also "not carve out a special regional regime, not diminish the rights and interests of third-party states, and effectively govern behavior at sea," she added.

She also stressed that a lasting peace and stability in the South China Sea "requires all countries, whether big or small, to meet their obligations and responsibilities under international law, particularly UNCLOS."

"Countries have to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions that could complicate the situation or increase tensions at sea," she said.

Lazaro said the Philippines welcomes practical cooperation among all ASEAN member states as well as China "in essential areas, such as maritime safety, marine environmental protection, search and rescue, and the well-being of seafarers, as well as in upholding freedom of navigation and overflight."

"The Philippines will continue to firmly uphold ASEAN unity and centrality in addressing regional maritime issues, even as we are unequivocal in protecting our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction," she said.