Southeast Asian navies back Code of Conduct in South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines - Southeast Asian Navy chiefs have expressed support for efforts to formulate a code of conduct that would govern claimants in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The matter was discussed during the 7th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting held from Sept. 9 to 11 in Makati.

“The exchange of views highlighted the role of the ASEAN navies in promoting peace in Southeast Asia through dialogue, consultation, and conduct of practical activities that builds confidence, trust, and transparency among them,” a joint statement forwarded to the media by the Philippine Navy read.

“The discussions also expressed optimism and support in the current efforts of the ASEAN to adopt a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea,” it added.

In 2002, ASEAN and China signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to address territorial disputes peacefully. However, specific and binding guidelines have yet to be approved.

In 2011, former US defense undersecretary Frank Wisner warned that the absence of a code of conduct could lead to greater tensions.

He said such code should be consistent to freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of differences and the avoidance of the use of force.

China claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea and has been shoring up its presence in disputed areas.

Taiwan and four ASEAN countries namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam also have overlapping claims in the area.

The Navy chiefs also reaffirmed their commitment in ensuring maritime security. They also agreed to adopt measures to strengthen confidence-building and enhance mutual understanding.

“The ASEAN navies established hotlines for direct communications between the operations center, and the contacts were updated in the ASEAN Information-Sharing Portal,” the joint statement read.

A permanent secretariat has also been formed to assist the ASEAN navies in developing a road map that will chart their activities.

Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano served as the chairman of this year’s meeting.

The event was attended by nine Navy chiefs namely First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Mohd Hanifah of Brunei, Vice Admiral Tea Vinh of Cambodia, Admiral Dr Marsetio of Indonesia, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar of Malaysia, Admiral Thura Thet Swe of Myanmar, Rear Admiral Ng Chee Peng of Singapore, Admiral Surasak Rounroengrom of Thailand and Admiral Nguyen van Hien of Vietnam. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was represented by Khamfeuang Phanthaxay, second secretary of the Laos embassy.