politics
As ASEAN chair, Philippines aims for ‘effective’ South China Sea code of conduct

As ASEAN chair, Philippines aims for ‘effective’ South China Sea code of conduct

18 Ocak 2026Japan Times

🤖AI Özeti

The Philippines, under the leadership of Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, is taking on the challenge of establishing an effective code of conduct for the South China Sea as it assumes the ASEAN chair. This task has been a longstanding issue for the Southeast Asian nations, reflecting the complexities of regional diplomacy and maritime disputes. Lazaro's efforts will be closely watched as they could shape the future of cooperation and conflict resolution in the region.

💡AI Analizi

The Philippines' initiative to create a code of conduct for the South China Sea is a significant step towards addressing the ongoing tensions in the region. However, the success of this endeavor will depend on the willingness of ASEAN member states to collaborate and compromise, particularly in the face of China's assertive claims. The outcome could redefine maritime governance in Southeast Asia and influence geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific.

📚Bağlam ve Tarihsel Perspektif

The South China Sea has been a flashpoint for territorial disputes, with multiple countries claiming rights over various parts of the waters. ASEAN has struggled to reach a consensus on a unified approach to these disputes, making the Philippines' leadership role crucial at this juncture.

This article reflects the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the official position of the Japan Times.