VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: During Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia's initiative to accelerate the Code of Conduct (COC) negotiation process in the South China Sea (LTS) was successfully agreed upon by all ASEAN countries and China.

"In addition to accelerating negotiations, Indonesia's initiative in the form of Guidelines can be a practical guideline that also contains substantive material to keep the COC effective and actionable," the Foreign Ministry's Director of ASEAN Security Political Cooperation, Rolliansyah Soemirat, said in a statement received by Indonesia Window here on Friday (1/9/2023).

The first-of-its-kind guidelines summarize ASEAN-RRT aspirations to complete the COC in three years or less, through intensive discussion of pending issues and other proposed working methods to make negotiations faster and more effective.

"Given the complexity of the elements in the COC, the parties involved have been very cautious so a breakthrough is needed to accelerate the process," Rolliansyah said.

The COC is expected to be a code of conduct that reflects international norms, principles and rules that are in line with and refer to international law, especially UNCLOS with the aim of achieving a stable, safe and peaceful LTS region.

Indonesia always supports confidence building measures (CBMs) and reducing tensions to support prosperity in the region, and continues to ensure ASEAN centrality in LTS issues.

During Indonesia's Chairmanship of ASEAN, the COC negotiations have successfully completed the second reading or second round of negotiations. This shows a positive development that is expected to continue to be a momentum to accelerate the agreement of the code of conduct.

Indonesia has hosted the COC negotiations between ASEAN and China last March. At the end of 2023, Indonesia plans to host another round of COC negotiations as a contribution to accelerating the process.

In addition to the COC negotiations, Indonesia will continue to promote practical maritime cooperation between ASEAN and the PRC for the LTS region that can enhance mutual trust, in order to support and maintain peace, security and stability in the region. (VOI/Andy)