Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

China and ASEAN countries held the 21st Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in Beijing on Thursday. 

China and ASEAN countries had in-depth discussions on the situation in the South China Sea, the comprehensive and effective implementation of the DOC, practical maritime cooperation, and consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC) on the South China Sea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press briefing on Thursday. 

According to Mao, all the parties acknowledge the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and there is a collective call for restraint, strengthening dialogue, proper handling of differences, and the safeguarding maritime stability. 

Meanwhile, all parties unanimously agree to continue the comprehensive and effective implementation of the DOC, and to deepen practical cooperation in areas such as marine scientific research, marine environmental protection, maritime search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement, Mao said. 

During the meeting, China and ASEAN countries officially announced the start of the third reading of the COC text. They have agreed to expedite COC consultations, striving for the early establishment of an effective, substantive, and international law-compliant code, in a bid to develop the South China Sea into an area of peace, friendship and cooperation, Mao said. 

Global Times