The Philippines is pushing to conclude long-running negotiations on a South China Sea code of conduct within 2026, signaling a renewed diplomatic drive as tensions in the disputed waters remain high.

CEBU CITY, Philippines, Feb. 6, 2026 — The Philippines announced it will accelerate talks with China and fellow Southeast Asian nations to finalize a long-delayed code of conduct for the South China Sea this year, as it assumes the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said during a forum in Singapore that the country intends to increase the pace of negotiations, moving from quarterly to monthly meetings in order to meet the target. “We will seek to accelerate the long-running talks on a South China Sea code of conduct to a conclusion this year as chair of the ASEAN regional bloc,” Lazaro declared.

The code of conduct, first proposed decades ago, has faced repeated delays due to disagreements over its scope, enforcement mechanisms, and legal standing. Four ASEAN members—Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam—have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, a vital waterway through which trillions of dollars in trade pass annually. 

China claims almost the entire sea under its so-called “nine-dash line,” a position rejected by a 2016 international tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines. Despite this, Beijing has continued to expand its presence through artificial islands, military installations, and aggressive patrols.

Philippine officials stressed that the urgency of finalizing the code stems from escalating confrontations at sea. In recent years, Filipino vessels have been harassed by Chinese coast guard ships near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, incidents that have drawn international concern. 

Dominic Xavier “Dax” Imperial, spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs on ASEAN matters, said all parties “remain politically committed to endeavor to finalize the negotiations of the COC this year,” adding that the Philippines is determined to deliver results during its chairmanship.

ASEAN foreign ministers recently gathered in Cebu City to reaffirm their collective push for the code. The meeting underscored the bloc’s desire to maintain regional stability and prevent further escalation of maritime disputes. While progress has been slow, officials believe that the Philippines’ leadership role could provide the momentum needed to break the deadlock. 

“The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China will increase the pace of working group meetings to monthly gatherings from the current three-month intervals,” Lazaro explained, emphasizing that the talks must move beyond symbolic gestures.

Analysts note that the Philippines faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, it must assert its sovereignty and protect the rights of its fishermen and maritime forces. On the other, it must maintain constructive ties with China, a major trading partner. The success of the negotiations will depend on whether ASEAN and Beijing can agree on binding rules that prevent coercion and ensure freedom of navigation.

The Philippines’ push to conclude the code of conduct this year comes amid heightened global attention on the South China Sea, with the United States and its allies conducting freedom of navigation operations to challenge China’s expansive claims. Regional observers say that a finalized code would not resolve sovereignty disputes but could establish mechanisms to manage incidents and reduce the risk of conflict.

As the Philippines leads ASEAN in 2026, its commitment to wrapping up the talks reflects both national interest and regional responsibility. Whether the negotiations will finally yield a binding agreement remains uncertain, but Manila’s determination has injected fresh urgency into a process that has languished for years.