Japan presses for binding South China Sea code of conduct

Metro Manila, Philippines - Japan has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)  to ensure that the long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea is legally binding and aligned with international law.

Speaking at the Stratbase ADR Institute forum in Makati City, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya said the COC must reflect a genuine commitment to the rule of law and ensure that legitimate rights of all stakeholders are fully respected.

“We hope that the negotiation will come up with an outcome that is not only substantive but also truly effective—one that aligns with the principles enshrined in UNCLOS,” Endo said.

“Arbitrary interpretation or application of the UNCLOS cannot be accepted,” he added, warning against any attempt to legitimize China’s expansive claims.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro expressed optimism that the code will be concluded by 2026, noting ASEAN’s shared commitment to see negotiations through despite regional challenges.

“These ASEAN claimant interactions have served as a useful foundation for our meaningful participation in the negotiations to conclude an ASEAN-China Code of Conduct… which we are all committed to conclude by next year,” Lazaro said in her remarks.

Endo reinforced Japan’s support for the 2016 ruling that rejected China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” and emphasized that “unilateral attempts to change the peacefully established status quo by force or coercion” in the South China Sea threaten regional peace and stability.

“The award clearly ruled that the so-called ‘nine-dash line’ had no legal basis under international law,” Endo said. “Japan strongly opposes such attempts.”

As Japan deepens its defense ties with the Philippines, Endo cited the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement, ongoing negotiations for an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, and an Information Security Agreement as signs of growing strategic alignment.

Eleven Japanese Self-Defense Force vessels have visited the Philippines so far this year, and Japan recently hosted the first-ever trilateral coast guard training with the Philippines and the United States — an exercise that included the BRP Teresa Magbanua, which Japan helped fund and equip.

The Japanese ambassador added that Tokyo is also expanding support for the Philippine Coast Guard and armed forces through official security assistance and development aid, including radar systems, training aircraft, and capacity-building programs.