China, ASEAN show shared resolve for rules-based region

The foreign ministers of China and ASEAN sent the unmistakable message that the two sides are determined to steadily push for a rules-based mechanism to safeguard peace and stability in the waters when they announced they had agreed on an initial negotiating draft for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at their meeting in Singapore on Thursday.

This initial negotiating draft will form the basis for future negotiations on the text of the Code of Conduct. Considering that a framework for such a code was adopted just a year ago, the agreement on the draft shows China and the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are sincere and earnest in reaching a consensus and smoothing the way for negotiations.

But although this has been rightly hailed as a new milestone, it would be unrealistic to expect a swift conclusion to the negotiations, as they involve complex and sensitive issues.