PHNOM PENH, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The adoption of a framework for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea reflected deepening trust among claimant states and will lay a foundation for longterm peace and stability in the region, Cambodian official and scholars said on Sunday.
Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)and China adopted the COC framework during a meeting in Manila, the Philippines on Sunday.
The adoption of the COC framework is a historical event which demonstrated increased cooperation between ASEAN and China in resolving the dispute peacefully, said Phay Siphan, secretary of state and spokesman for the Council of Ministers of Cambodia.
"The COC is crucial to ensuring longterm peace, stability and development in the South China Sea," he said, adding that the adoption of the COC framework reflected enhanced mutual trust between ASEAN and China, which creates a favorable atmosphere for eventual settlement of disputes.p Chheang Vannarith, senior fellow at the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, said the adoption of the framework was a critical step towards further talks over a final COC.
China and ASEAN are committed to reaching a final COC 15 years ago. The framework was agreed upon in May during a senior officials' meeting on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in Guiyang, the capital city of southwest China's Guizhou Province.
"It marks significant progress of the China-ASEAN negotiation process and reflects deepening trust among the claimant states," he said.
"The COC not only serves regional trust-building, but also sets a foundation for longterm peace and stability in the South China Sea."
Joseph Matthews, director of the ASEAN Education Center, said the adoption of the framework would pave the way for negotiations on the actual COC in the future.
"This framework will help all parties involved in the South China Sea issue to resolve their disputes through bilateral negotiations without any interference from a third party," he said.
The adoption of the framework is regarded as a new milestone in the relationship between ASEAN and China, which was rooted deeply in their geopolitical proximity and economic cooperation and partnership.
"I personally believe that this is a result of the win-win policy and success of ASEAN-China prudent and lasting relationship," Matthews said.
"Both sides deserve congratulations for the adoption of the framework which ultimately will help ease tensions in the region," he added.
