On 15 September 2013, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, gave a telephone interview on the results of the 9th ASEAN–China Joint Working Group (JWG) on the Implementation of the DoC and the 6th Senior Officials’Meeting (SOM) on the Implementation of the DoC, held at Suzhou, China during 14 – 15 September 2013.

The Permanent Secretary said the meeting was a success, with all parties satisfied that China has shown seriousness in consulting on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC). All parties agreed to include a consultation on the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea (CoC) at every session hereafter to establish a tangible process and maintain the continuity of the discussion.

In terms of substance, the ASEAN member countries and China discussed the structure and target of CoC. The ASEAN side proposed that the CoC should cover 3 points: to create trust in the region, to prevent disputes among each other, and to find a solution if disputes occur and determine ways to prevent the disputes from affecting the security of the South China Sea. All parties agreed that an atmosphere conducive to dialogue should be maintained through such measures as cooperation on maritime rescue, and the establishment of an international hotline.

The Permanent Secretary also said that the progress of this meeting would be presented at the 16th ASEAN-China Summit to be held in Brunei. The Joint Statement for that Meeting would also include the South China Sea issue. The next ASEAN-China SOM to be hosted by Thailand, scheduled for early 2014, should be held as soon as possible in order to maintain the continuity and momentum of the discussion.