ASEAN–China Code of Conduct Talks Continue With No Progress Amid Rising Tensions

Despite two decades of commitments, the South China Sea remains a diplomatic riptide. Last week's latest ASEAN–China talks in Manila sought to advance a long-stalled Code of Conduct, but there was no progress.
File image of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who highlighted the threat China posed to Philippines' territorial claims in the South China Sea in the ongoing midterms election campaign. TED ALJIBE / AFP

Despite two decades of commitments, the South China Sea remains a diplomatic riptide. Last week’s latest ASEAN–China talks in Manila sought to advance a long-stalled Code of Conduct, but there was no progress.

However, progress remains elusive as regional powers juggle diplomacy with deterrence — and rising risks at sea.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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