South China Sea expert warns 2026 code of conduct is ‘simply not achievable’

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Fan ChenMarch 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM

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A veteran South China Sea expert, Wu Shicun, has expressed skepticism about finalizing a code of conduct for the contested waters by 2026. The Philippines is set to take over the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) this year, but Wu believes it will not be successful in negotiating the document due to the Philippines' intention to bring up the arbitration ruling from 2016. Beijing refused to participate in the arbitration process and did not accept the tribunal's ruling on sovereignty disputes. The landmark case has been cited by other claimant states, including the United States and Western countries, as evidence of China's non-compliance with international law. Wu's statement suggests that a code of conduct may not be achievable this year due to these ongoing tensions.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 40% The Hague 50% Manila 60% Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) 70% National Institute for South China Sea Studies 70% China 70% Beijing ×380% Philippines ×380% Wu Shicun ×290% South China Sea ×4100%

Keywords

south china sea 100% code of conduct 90% philippines 70% maritime disputes 70% china 70% arbitration ruling 60% international law 50% asean 50% sovereignty disputes 40%