ASEAN and China Agree on Guidelines to Accelerate Code of Conduct Negotiations in the South China Sea

Strategic Insights -

ASEAN and the People's Republic of China (PRC) have agreed on Guidelines to accelerate negotiations for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS). The Guidelines were adopted during the meeting between ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the Director of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, Wang Yi. The meeting marked important milestones in their relationship, including the completion of Guidelines to accelerate effective and substantive COC negotiations, the completion of the second reading of the single draft COC negotiation, and the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).

Key Takeaways:

  • ASEAN and China have agreed on Guidelines to accelerate negotiations for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS).
  • China is ASEAN's largest trading partner, with trade reaching USD 975 billion.
  • China is the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment in ASEAN, with a value of USD 13.8 billion in 2021.
  • The partnership between ASEAN and China aims to advance the paradigm of inclusivity and openness, respect international law including UNCLOS 1982, and promote habits of dialogue and collaboration.
  • Both sides must work hard to strengthen this partnership, with China being a reliable partner for ASEAN in nurturing an open and inclusive regional architecture.
  • Foreign Minister Retno requested China's support for the concrete implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), including the plan to hold the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) in September.
  • The joint statement highlighted several aspects, including the importance of compliance with the TAC, the adoption of Guidelines to accelerate COC negotiations, support for the implementation of the AOIP, economic cooperation, strengthening health resilience, and people-to-people contact.

Statistics:

  • USD 975 billion: Trade between ASEAN and China.
  • USD 13.8 billion: Foreign direct investment from China to ASEAN in 2021.
  • 20th anniversary: China's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
  • 2021: Year in which China's foreign direct investment in ASEAN reached USD 13.8 billion.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia