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| Discussions on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea are ongoing. (Free Malaysia Today) |
Reuters news agency reported that, in an interview before a meeting with his counterparts from ASEAN member countries on Malaysia's Langkawi island on January 19, the Philippine Foreign Minister affirmed that the discussion process on the COC is ongoing.
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However, he said: “It is time for us to look at issues that in our view are essential, issues that have not really been discussed thoroughly or even negotiated. These are considered key issues.”
These issues will include the scope of the COC, whether it will be legally binding and its impact on third countries, the Philippine foreign minister said, stressing that the goal is to make the code effective and substantive.
In addition, Foreign Minister Manalo commented that in the context of US President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office, there is no sign that Washington will reassess its engagement policy in Southeast Asia and "must wait until the new administration actually takes power" from January 20.
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