South China Sea: Philippines committed to code of conduct, says tensions not about US-China rivalry

The idea of a code of conduct was hatched more than two decades ago, but parties only committed to begin the process in 2017. Little progress has been made, however, with negotiations on the contents of the code yet to move forward.

Filipino bishops urge Manila to ‘defend what is ours’ in South China Sea

The issue is highly sensitive, with China’s neighbours keen to base the code on international law, which Beijing has repeatedly been accused of disregarding in asserting its claim to sovereignty over 90 per cent of the South China Sea, despite that being dismissed by an international arbitration court.

“We are concerned about developments in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” Manalo said.

Manalo said a high-level “2+2” meeting of the defence and foreign ministers of the Philippines and United States was planned and dates not yet been finalised.