"Philippines Seeks Regional Cooperation for South China Sea Code and Peace"

The Philippines has approached Malaysia and Vietnam to discuss a separate code of conduct for the South China Sea, citing limited progress in reaching a broader regional pact with China. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concerns about China's "aggressive" behavior and emphasized the need to partner with allies and neighbors to maintain peace in the region. Talks on a code of conduct between ASEAN and China have been slow, with concerns about China's commitment to a binding set of rules. China's claims in the South China Sea have led to tensions with neighboring countries, including the Philippines.