Time ‘ripe’ for Asean, China code of conduct — Phl - Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

MANILA, Philippines – The time is “ripe” for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to have a legally binding code of conduct to prevent occupation of disputed and non-disputed areas in West Philippine Sea and Panatag Shoal.

In a press briefing at Malacañang, Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said “China has said that they will only discuss this with ASEAN when the time is ripe.”

“We are hoping that the time is ripe now for such discussion because this actually would be very good for the region, and will put peace and stability and freedom of navigation in the area that we are talking about,” Hernandez said…