Chinese FM: Early conclusion of consultations on Code of Conduct in South China Sea conducive to regional peace

The early conclusion of consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) would help safeguard peace and stability in the region, keep the region's future in the hands of regional countries, and deny external actors any opportunity to meddle or cause disruption, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Manila on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan in Manila, the Philippines.

Wang said that China, together with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has advocated for and remained committed to the early conclusion of consultations on the COC, building on the foundation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Noting that both China and Malaysia are at a critical stage of development and revitalization, Wang said China stands ready to seize the opportunities with Malaysia, enhance exchanges at all levels, deepen all-round cooperation, and promote maritime exchanges and collaboration, to jointly elevate China-Malaysia relations to a higher level.

Stressing that ASEAN is an important component of the multi-polarizing world and a key force in the Global South, Wang expressed the hope that Malaysia would effectively fulfill its role as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN relations, safeguard the common interests of both sides, and ensure peace and stability in East Asia.

For his part, Mohamad stated that Malaysia-China relations and ASEAN-China relations are currently at their best in history.

He reaffirmed Malaysia's firm commitment to the one-China policy and expressed readiness to make every effort to advance ASEAN-China cooperation and uphold ASEAN's centrality in the regional architecture.

Mohamad also noted that some external countries have nothing to do with the South China Sea yet are always keen to "flex their muscles" there. He expressed the hope for an early conclusion of the COC to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.