Framework on code of conduct in the South China Sea is on track, says Vivian

MANILA – Negotiations between the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) and China for a code of conduct framework in the South China Sea by the middle of this year are on track, said Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, adding that the process will build greater confidence among the parties.

“I have been assured that things are on target… I’m reasonably confident that we will get it (the framework) done by the middle of this year,” said Dr Balakrishnan at the sidelines of the 30th Asean Summit in Manila on Friday.

“This will be an important confidence-building step, an important step to ensuring that there is greater confidence and a sense of cooperation between China on one hand, the claimant states in Asean and the rest of us who are not claimant states as well.”

The minister noted that the framework is only the beginning of a process towards the legally binding code of conduct.

“I think there is a strong sense of common will on the part of all parties to this to get it done,” he said in an interview with Singapore media.

“I don’t want to trivalise it or make things seem easy. It will not be easy. But if we can do this (the framework) and move things step by step in the right direction, it will build greater confidence,” he reiterated.

Among the issues that may be discussed between Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his regional counterparts on Saturday is Asean’s approach towards tensions in the South China Sea.

Asean will reportedly take a softer than usual tone with regard to China’s artificial island building in disputed areas of the South China Sea. Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, where there are overlapping claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philipppines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

To dial down tensions, Asean and China have agreed to complete a framework on the code of conduct in the South China Sea by the middle of this year.

President Rodrigo Duterte has pivoted the Philippines towards China away from the United States – his country’s treaty ally.

On Thursday, he said he would not pressure China during the 30th Asean Summit, adding that there was no point protesting as Beijing could not be stopped.

Commenting on tensions on the Korean Peninsula, which is also expected to feature in discussions over the weekend, Dr Balakrishnan noted that Asean does not have leverage over Pyongyang.

But the grouping hopes to use moral suasion and join the rest of the world to urge North Korea to comply with relevant international laws, he said.

Earlier in the day, Asean’s foreign ministers issued a statement after their meeting expressing “grave concern” over developments in the Korean Peninsula. Tensions have spiked as the US moved its naval assets to the region and Pyongyang drummed up its war rhetoric over its missile and nuclear programme.

Turning to Asean-US relations, Dr Balakrishnan noted that the Asean foreign ministers will meet Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in the US next week. Dr Balakrishnan said the new Trump administration should continue to engage South-east Asia.

Despite Washington indicating that President Donald Trump will visit the region at the end of the year to attend summits with Asean leaders, there are lingering concerns that he may not be fully focused on the region.

“One point we want to emphasise is the importance of the United States continuing to engage with our part of the world. Asean as a whole remains a vital, viable, dynamic and growing area,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

“It (Asean) is an area that is replete with many business opportunities and the United States should not deprive itself of the opportunities that Asean represents.”

Asean’s economy is expected to grow to US$9.2 trillion (S$12.8 trillion) by 2050, making it the fourth largest economic grouping in the world.