KUCHING: The ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), to be held here tomorrow, will serve as a crucial platform to accelerate negotiations on finalising a Code of Conduct (COC) for the disputed waters.
Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said the meeting’s primary objective is to ensure all parties uphold the principles outlined in the DOC, which form the foundation of strong regional relations.
“In addition, discussions will intensify efforts to conclude the South China Sea Code of Conduct, with the aim of completing it by or before July 2026. We must negotiate more assertively and proactively to ensure the draft COC is finalised on schedule,” he said after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi today.
Amran said the gathering, which brings together senior officials from ASEAN member states and China, is also part of broader efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.
“The talks will focus on maintaining peace, security and prosperity in Southeast Asia. The South China Sea continues to draw global attention, not just from ASEAN and China but also from countries beyond the region. Therefore, close cooperation is vital to preserve stability,” he added.
In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said the meeting seeks to further enhance the implementation of the DOC, which was signed on Nov 4, 2002, by ASEAN member states and China.
Source: Bernama
