Beijing’s top diplomat voices ‘determination’ to work with rival claimants yet urges Manila to ‘be aware of its responsibility’
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenAlyssa ChenPublished: 5:41pm, 8 Mar 2026China has signalled strong optimism for finalising negotiations with neighbouring Asian countries to seal a new institutional framework on contested South China Sea waterways.At China’s annual foreign policy press conference on Sunday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the negotiations as having entered a “critical phase” for talks on the South China Sea Code of Conduct (CoC) – a proposed set of rules between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) at the heart of easing tensions.“All parties expect to conclude the consultations within this year,” Wang said. “China has the confidence and determination to work with all parties to overcome disturbances, build consensus despite differences and reach agreement as soon as possible.”
Beijing’s top diplomat added that the code could provide effective “golden rules” for all sides to manage differences, enhance mutual trust and promote cooperation.
Citing China’s historical activities in the South China Sea, Beijing claims sovereignty over almost all the islands and rock features there and in their adjacent waters. It is locked in disputes with rival claimants including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.
The framework has been under negotiation since the early 2000s and long been seen by countries in the region as vital to managing tensions in the strategically important waters.
