China, ASEAN Approve Framework of Code of Conduct in South China Sea

Foreign ministers of the ASEAN member states and China have approved the framework of Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, local media reported on Sunday, citing Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

BEIJING (Sputnik) — The new Code of Conduct, meant as a strict mechanism for settling territorial disputes in the region, is expected to replace the 2002 declaration of conduct between the sides.

The Spratly Islands, also known as the Nansha Islands, in the South China Sea are disputed territories between China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. The US Navy patrols the area despite Chinese protests, with Beijing claiming that the Philippines and Vietnam deliberately use support from Washington to escalate the situation in the region.