Malaysia has once again taken center stage in regional diplomacy by hosting two pivotal ASEAN-China meetings aimed at advancing peace, stability, and cooperation in the South China Sea. From August 11 to 14, Kuching welcomes delegates to the 48th ASEAN-China Joint Working Group Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (JWG-DOC) and the 24th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM-DOC).
Organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra), these meetings mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to finalize a Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea—a long-anticipated framework designed to foster mutual trust, prevent conflict, and ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes in one of the world’s most strategically vital maritime regions.
Malaysia’s Strategic Role
As ASEAN Chair in 2025 and Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations (2024–2027), Malaysia is co-chairing the discussions alongside China. This dual leadership role underscores Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to regional diplomacy and its proactive stance in shaping a rules-based maritime order.
Malaysia remains deeply committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the DOC by all parties, while also advancing a substantive and effective COC that constructively addresses key issues in the South China Sea,” said Wisma Putra in a statement.
Building Trust Through Dialogue
The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC), signed in 2002, serves as the foundation for these negotiations. Under its framework, ASEAN and China have undertaken various confidence-building initiatives and cooperative programs to promote constructive dialogue and reduce tensions.
This year’s COC negotiation rounds span five cities:
- Jakarta (February)
- Manila (April)
- Kuching (August)
- Singapore (September)
- China (November)
Malaysia last hosted these meetings in 2019, and its return as host reflects a sustained commitment to fostering regional dialogue and cooperation.
A Vision for Peace and Stability
The meetings in Kuching are expected to accelerate progress toward a binding and effective COC, which is envisioned to:
- Promote peaceful dispute resolution
- Safeguard sovereignty and sovereign rights
- Enhance maritime security and freedom of navigation
- Strengthen ASEAN-China relations
Malaysia’s leadership in these negotiations reinforces its role as a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia and a champion of multilateralism.
