High-stakes diplomacy unfolded in Cebu as China and ASEAN nations held the landmark 25th meeting on enforcing the South China Sea DOC. Guided by co-chairs Hou Yanqi of China and Dato Sri Amran Mohamed Zin of Malaysia, ASEAN’s elite gathered to chart a course for harmony in disputed waters.
Unanimity prevailed on safeguarding the sea’s peace and predictability. Commitments included fortifying bilateral and multilateral dialogues, embracing moderation, navigating disagreements wisely, cultivating reassurance, and anchoring maritime steadiness—essentials for a zone underpinning global energy flows.
Parties vowed robust DOC execution, expanding partnerships in eco-preservation, scholarly pursuits, life-saving operations, and regulatory adherence. Applause rang for COC negotiation breakthroughs, with roadmap advancements ratified and a push for swift finalization to yield a robust framework.
This builds toward the 51st Joint Working Group convening January 30 to February 1, deepening operational ties. Amid artificial island builds and freedom-of-navigation ops, these parleys signal resolve for Asian-led solutions over zero-sum rivalries.
Ultimately, accelerating the COC promises a blueprint for coexistence, mitigating risks to commerce, biodiversity, and security in a waterway vital to billions.