China to finalize Code of Conduct framework in South China Sea by mid-2017: Abella

March 28, 2017

China is eyeing to finalize the framework on Code of Conduct in South China Sea by middle of this year.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua mentioned this to President Rodrigo Duterte during the courtesy call on Monday in Davao City.

"H.E. ( His Excellency) Zhao expressed China's determination to work with ASEAN member states in finalizing the Code of Conduct Framework on the South China Sea middle of this year," Abella said in a statement.

The framework will be the basis for a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, a disputed area, which is being claimed entirely or partially by some Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, China and Taiwan.

Abella said Zhao also conveyed to Duterte China looks forward to convening in May the first meeting of the bilateral mechanism between the two countries to properly handle the South China Sea issue.

"Through this bilateral mechanism, mutual trust and maritime cooperation will be forged and misunderstandings will be avoided," Abella said.

Abella added Zhao told Duterte of the successful meeting of the Philippines and Chinese coast guards and that Beijing is ready to implement the agreed memorandum of understanding in a friendly manner.

Zhao also looks forward to the Philippine Coast Guard delegation's visit to China to hammer out actions, activities and new engagement to ensure that the South China Sea is "a sea of cooperation," Abella said.

"He is also looking forward to the resumption of bilateral defense cooperation and participation in the One Belt One Road Summit in Beijing in May 2017," he added.

Duterte earlier said he would attend the summit in Beijing.

Abella said the Chinese envoy hoped infrastructure projects to be funded by China would soon be launched, implemented and completed within Duterte's term.

Zhao reported China hopes for Philippines to soon utilize donations for anti-poverty programs and anti-illegal drugs operations, he added. Celerina Monte/DMS