ASEAN-China Regional Code of Conduct in the South China Sea: Challenges on the path ahead (original) (raw)

This paper examines the feasibility and challenges of establishing a regional Code of Conduct (COC) between ASEAN and China regarding the contested South China Sea. It highlights the complexities involved, including differing expectations among ASEAN states and China's historical claims exemplified by the nine-dash line. The analysis draws attention to geopolitical influences, such as the outcomes of international arbitration and the role of external powers, emphasizing the need for clarity in territorial disputes and collaborative negotiation efforts to ensure a stable framework for regional security.