Cambodia Optimistic about Conclusion of COC Next Year

Cambodia expressed its hopes that the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea will be concluded in 2022 when Cambodia holds the ASEAN chairmanship.

“I strongly hope that when Cambodia assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2022, China and the ASEAN member countries concerned will be able to reach the COC (Code of Conduct) in the South China Sea,” Minister of Information H.E. Khieu Kanharith quoted Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Chair of the 13th ASEM Summit (ASEM13) as saying at the virtual ASEM13 on Nov. 13.

The year 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the Phnom Penh initiative on drafting the CoC for all countries involved in the South China Sea issue, Samdech Techo Hun Sen underlined.

In the 39th virtual ASEAN Summit in October, Samdech Techo Prime Minister called on all parties directly concerned to fully and effectively implement the 2002 DOC (Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea) in its entirety and to commit to substantive negotiations towards the early conclusion of a COC that is consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

The DOC was signed by ASEAN member states and China in 2002. It stipulates that the parties concerned shall resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned.

 

 

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press