China, ASEAN stall on South China Sea code as tensions persist
China and Southeast Asian nations have made progress on a South China Sea code of conduct but won't finalize it in 2026, three regional diplomats confirmed this week. The Code of Conduct, negotiated since 2005, aims to prevent maritime disputes from escalating into conflict in the busy waterway. China and four ASEAN members—Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam—plus Taiwan all claim parts of the South China Sea, believed to hold oil and gas reserves. Nearly a quarter of global maritime trade passes through these waters. Tensions intensified in 2025 due to confrontations, militarization and U.S.-China rivalry. China has constructed artificial military bases on disputed islands, while the Philippines, backed by the U.S., Japan and Australia, has strengthened its naval capabilities. A 2016 international tribunal ruled China's territorial claims have no legal basis. Negotiations will continue next year under Singapore's ASEAN leadership. The Trump administration has signaled opposition to any code restricting U.S. operations in the sea.
Key facts
- China and ASEAN began negotiating a Code of Conduct in 2005, with target completion by end of 2026, but negotiations will extend into 2027 under Singapore's ASEAN chair.
- Five claimants—China, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia—plus Taiwan hold overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.
- Nearly 25 percent of global maritime trade transits through the South China Sea.
- A 2016 Hague Tribunal ruled China's historic rights claims lack legal foundation and China's actions infringe Philippine rights.
- China has constructed military bases on artificial islands across disputed features in the South China Sea.
- The Philippines, backed by the U.S., Japan, and Australia, has increased naval cooperation and joint exercises to counter Chinese activities.
- In 2025, confrontations intensified between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels, including water cannon incidents and ship collisions.
- U.S. Defense Secretary confirmed America's Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines extends to armed forces and vessels in the South China Sea.
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets emphasize China's aggressive imperialism and militarization as violations of international law. They frame China's actions as territorial expansion comparable to colonialism, highlighting the sweeping nine-dash line claim that encompasses 80 percent of the South China Sea and overlaps with multiple countries' exclusive economic zones. Progressive sources stress the need for upholding the rules-based international order and supporting smaller nations' rights against authoritarian power projection.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning outlets stress that China's behavior represents aggressive expansion that threatens free navigation and U.S. security commitments to allies. They argue China's claims contradict international law and that the U.S. must maintain a strong military presence to deter Chinese dominance. Some conservative sources emphasize the need for a tougher approach to China and warn against any agreement that would restrict U.S. operations in the South China Sea.
Limits of this briefing
Most recent reporting comes from ASEAN and Western-aligned sources; direct statements from China's official position on current negotiations are limited in these results. The dispute involves historical, legal, and geopolitical arguments that scholars across political spectrums contest intensely.
Sources
- KSAT News: China and ASEAN make progress on South China Sea pact but can't finish talks this year Centre
- Radio Free Asia: ASEAN, China unlikely to finalize South China Sea Code of Conduct at upcoming summit Centre
- East Asia Forum: Drifting through dispute in the South China Sea Centre
- VOA News: China-Philippines War of Words Raises South China Sea Tensions Centre
- CGTN: Explainer: Why China's South China Sea claims are legitimate Right