KUCHING: Negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea must be concluded by July 2026, said Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.
“The deadline is drawing near, and negotiations must be intensified more aggressively so that the COC draft can be finalised according to schedule,” he stressed.
Amran said the COC talks focus on ensuring all parties continue to uphold the principles outlined in the Declaration on the Code of Conduct (DOC) while pursuing discussions to reach a binding agreement.
“This meeting is one of the key engagements at the ASEAN-China senior officials level to chart a collective way forward in ensuring peace, security and prosperity in Southeast Asia, particularly in strengthening cooperation on issues related to the South China Sea,” he said at a press conference here today.
He was speaking after paying a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Kompleks Satria Pertiwi to express appreciation to the state government for hosting the 24th ASEAN-China Meeting of Senior Officials on the DOC.
Amran added that the meeting would not discuss boundary or jurisdictional issues, but would instead prioritise consensus-building and adherence to agreed principles.
