The ASEAN regional bloc and China need to make progress on the long-standing code of conduct for the South China Sea by addressing critical “milestone issues,” such as its scope and the potential for it to be legally binding, according to the Philippines‘ foreign minister on Saturday.

The South China Sea continues to be a point of contention between China and its neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Relations between Beijing and Manila, a U.S. ally, have deteriorated significantly, with frequent confrontations raising concerns about the possibility of conflict.

In 2002, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China committed to developing a code of conduct, but it took 15 years to initiate discussions, and progress has been sluggish. In an interview prior to a meeting with his ASEAN counterparts on the Malaysian island of Langkawi, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo stated that while discussions on the code are progressing, it is crucial to begin addressing the more complex and significant issues.

“It is essential that we focus on topics that have not been thoroughly discussed or negotiated,” Manalo remarked to Reuters. These topics include the code’s scope, its legal binding status, and its implications for third-party nations. He emphasized the goal of creating a code that is both effective and substantive. “We must start tackling these critical issues,” Manalo concluded. “This could be the best approach to advance the negotiations.”

Beijing asserts its sovereignty over a significant portion of the South China Sea, a claim it supports with a fleet of coast guard and fishing militia. Some neighboring countries have accused these forces of aggressive actions that disrupt fishing and energy operations within their exclusive economic zones. China maintains that its activities are lawful within its territory and rejects the 2016 arbitration ruling that deemed its claims to be unfounded under international law.

U.S. INTERESTS REMAIN STRONG

Manalo noted that as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, there are no indications that the United States will reconsider its involvement in Southeast Asia. “We have not observed any signs of a reduction or significant change,” he stated. “We must wait for the new administration to take charge. However, based on current observations, U.S. interests remain intact.”

He also highlighted that the ongoing civil conflict in military-led Myanmar poses a significant challenge for ASEAN, which has excluded the military leaders from meetings due to their failure to implement the organization’s peace plan. The junta intends to conduct elections this year, but many opponents are either barred from participating or have chosen not to run.

Manalo expressed that it is too early to determine whether ASEAN will set preconditions for recognizing the elections, which he believes should involve broad participation from the populace. “If elections occur without being perceived as inclusive and transparent, it would be challenging for them to gain legitimacy,” he remarked.