Hosting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was the opening act for China’s diplomatic efforts this 2023. As the Lunar New Year dawns, it is worth reflecting on what the visit meant for both countries.

The South China Sea has been the backdrop for so many international conflicts that few remember the Declaration of Conduct which governs activity in the testy waters. Now, 25 years later under new circumstances, a new agreement may be able to help lighten tensions in the Sea - if it can get passed.

Rodrigo Duterte led the Philippines in the last six years with his own brand of populist, oft-criticized leadership. While his successor may not inherit his bombastic attitude, they will have to take over relations with an ever-powerful China and a long festering maritime row.

China recently initiated a wave of diplomatic courtship of ASEAN nations, as both sides work to navigate the reality of China’s resurgent gravity in the Pacfic region.

China and ASEAN countries have maintained contact relating to the Code of Conduct. The main messages delivered are that progress has been made, efforts have been undertaken for the step-by-step resumption of COC negotiations and an environment conducive to the negotiations will be created.

The US is stepping up its efforts to involve itself in the South China Sea by dispatching Coast Guard vessels and selling surveillance drones and other arms to Southeast Asian nations — involvement that only serves to destabilize the situation in these disputed waters.

Such a mechanism will reduce the possibility of conflict.

China is cooperating well with other countries in the South China Sea.

The agreement for a single draft text as the basis for further negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) is a significant milestone in the long-running South China Sea saga, argues Lucio Blanco Pitlo III.

ASEAN nations are seeking clarity on who makes the best ally in the Indo-Pacific: China or the United States.