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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines optimistic South China Sea Code of Conduct talks will conclude in 2026

Philippines optimistic South China Sea Code of Conduct talks will conclude in 2026

Lazaro urges parties to sustain monthly meetings, tackle remaining sensitive issues amid concerns over illegal, coercive actions

Published Aug 19, 2026 10:19 am

At A Glance

  • The Philippines remains optimistic that South China Sea COC negotiations will conclude this year.
  • Manila urges all parties to maintain the momentum of monthly talks and address remaining sensitive issues.
  • The Philippines and Malaysia discussed concerns over illegal and coercive actions and stressed adherence to international law and UNCLOS.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said the Philippines remains optimistic that negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea will conclude by the end of 2026. (DFA / MB Visual Content Group)
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said the Philippines remains optimistic that negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea will conclude by the end of 2026. (DFA / MB Visual Content Group)
The Philippines remains optimistic that negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea will conclude within the year, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said.
“We remain optimistic about the conclusion of the negotiations within the year,” Lazaro said in her remarks following the 9th Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting in Manila on August 18.
Lazaro said the Philippines welcomed the positive progress in the COC negotiations and urged all parties to sustain the momentum generated by the monthly meetings.
“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.
“We likewise welcomed the positive progress in the negotiations for the Code of Conduct (COC) on the South China Sea, including the positive contributions of Malaysia as Co-Chair of the negotiations along with China,” Lazaro said.
The COC negotiations involve the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China and seek to establish a framework for managing tensions and activities in the South China Sea.
Concerns raised over ‘illegal, coercive’ actions
The push to advance the COC negotiations came as the Philippines and Malaysia exchanged views on continuing concerns in the South China Sea.
Lazaro said the two countries shared perspectives on “illegal and coercive actions” that infringe upon the rights and entitlements of coastal states.
“On the situation in the South China Sea, we shared our perspectives on continuing concerns about illegal and coercive actions that infringe upon the rights and entitlements of coastal states, while at the same time underscoring the importance of self-restraint and adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS,” Lazaro said.
She did not identify specific countries or incidents in her remarks.
At the same time, the Philippines and Malaysia underscored the importance of self-restraint and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Philippines has consistently invoked UNCLOS in asserting its maritime rights and entitlements in the South China Sea.
Manila eyes COC conclusion by end-2026
Lazaro’s remarks signal Manila’s hope that the increased frequency of negotiations will help resolve the remaining sensitive issues and lead to the completion of the COC by the end of 2026.
The foreign secretary did not provide a specific target date for the conclusion of the negotiations.
The latest discussions come as ASEAN and China continue negotiations on the long-awaited South China Sea Code of Conduct, with Malaysia serving as co-chair of the negotiations along with China.
For Manila, sustained negotiations, deeper discussions on unresolved issues, self-restraint, and adherence to UNCLOS remain important as the parties work toward concluding the COC.
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/18/philippines-malaysia-deepen-ties-on-security-economy-back-south-china-sea-coc-talks

Related Tags

South China Sea Code of Conduct Philippines South China Sea COC negotiations ASEAN-China relations Ma. Theresa Lazaro
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