Expert: ASEAN Centrality Key in South China Sea Code of Conduct

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Professor Hikmahanto Juwana, a specialist in International Law at the University of Indonesia, has emphasised the importance of ASEAN Centrality in the discussions regarding the Code of Conduct (CoC) for the South China Sea.

Furthermore, he added that ASEAN’s primary role is to ensure that regional leaders are not influenced by external interests during the CoC negotiations.

“Through several ASEAN nations, some parties may attempt to introduce other interests; however, this is what will cause the negotiations to take much longer,” said Hikmahanto in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.

He also assessed that it is vital to finalise the South China Sea CoC promptly to ensure the maintenance of regional stability.

During a discussion held by the Indonesian Strategic and Defence Studies (ISDS) institute in Jakarta on Wednesday (1/7), Hikmahanto stated that the CoC reflects the great expectations of ASEAN nations and China, whose territories encompass the South China Sea, to coexist peacefully in the region.

“We agree that there is no need to use force there,” he said.

To address these issues, Hikmahanto reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN maintaining centrality in driving shared objectives in the South China Sea.

Moreover, the South China Sea issue is a complex matter that requires a long period for resolution.

Hikmahanto also expressed hope that nations outside the region would respect ASEAN’s position in the South China Sea, particularly during the CoC formulation process with China.

He views continuous, consensus-based diplomatic dialogue as essential in managing overlapping maritime claims in the South China Sea.

In the Joint Declaration of ASEAN Leaders on Maritime Cooperation, signed at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, last May, ASEAN leaders agreed to continue CoC negotiations in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

Meanwhile, in March 2026, China’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Wang Qing, affirmed that China possesses the solid political will to finalise the South China Sea CoC according to the target set for this year.