A Thai expert at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue shares her insights on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and stressed the importance of continuous dialogue in safeguarding regional security.
Running from May 30 to June 1, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier annual security and defence summit, brings together more than 550 delegates from over 40 countries and regions, with discussions focusing on regional security cooperation and the global repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In an interview with China Global Television Network, Surachanee Sriyai, visiting fellow of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies based in Singapore, said reaching the COC in the South China Sea would help mitigate or to defuse tension.
"I think it's about time actually, I think some sort of code of conduct would be a good measure to mitigate or to defuse the tension in the South China Sea," she said.
In 2002, China pushed for the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
China is working with ASEAN countries to accelerate consultations on the COC and striving to reach an early agreement on regional rules which are effective, substantive and in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which will be more conducive to managing differences, stabilizing the South China Sea and promoting cooperation.
The expert further highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue in ensuring regional security.
"When it comes down to security, it's all about repeat conversation, right? It's all about keep talking, keep engaging with different actors, relevant actors. So I think it will go a long way for regional security if everybody, you know, come and talk and be transparent," she said.
Thai expert shares thoughts on regional security in South China Sea
