ASEAN - China approves draft COC framework

ASEAN countries and China approved the draft framework of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea after nearly four years of starting negotiations.

Overview of the first meeting day of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines on August 5. Photo: VNA.

The adoption of the draft framework of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) this afternoon will be the first step in the process of substantive negotiations for an effective and legally binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region, according to the UN.VNA.

Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of ASEAN SOM Nguyen Quoc Dung said this is a positive start for the future substantive and effective COC negotiation process.

After being approved by ASEAN and Chinese Foreign Ministers, this document will be submitted to leaders at the Summit next November.

Previously, at a press conference on August 5, the host country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Robespierre Bolivar also emphasized that the draft COC framework is considered an "outline" defining the nature of the Code of Conduct, detailing the legal basis as well as "the behavior of countries in the region."

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also proposed that ASEAN step up exchanges with China and soon start substantive negotiations on an effective and legally binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). The Minister also affirmed Vietnam's consistent stance on the importance of peace, stability, security, and safety of navigation and aviation in the East Sea for regional peace and stability.

Also at the ASEAN-China dialogue conference this afternoon, the two sides approved the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the ASEAN-China Center, to evaluate reports on the implementation of the Action Plan with Dialogue Partners.

According to VNE