On March 8, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke of the South China Sea issue.

Wang Yi said, the South China Sea is home to the world’s busiest, safest and freest shipping lanes. Over the past year, cooperation in the South China Sea has kept a sound momentum. China had in-depth discussions with Indonesia on joint maritime development, held bilateral dialogue with Malaysia on maritime issues, and carried out cooperation with Viet Nam on sustainable fisheries development. Just recently, Chinese Coast Guard successfully rescued over a dozen Filipino crewmen distressed at sea. All these are ample proof that peace, cooperation and friendship should be the new narrative of the South China Sea. Making waves wins no hearts and fomenting trouble finds no takers.

Wang Yi pointed out, yet lasting peace and stability requires solid institutional support. As we continue with the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, consultation on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) has reached crunch time. All relevant parties look forward to wrapping it up this year. Together with the parties, China has the confidence and the resolve to remove interference, bridge differences, expand common ground, and reach an agreement as soon as possible. The COC will provide the golden rules for the parties to effectively manage differences, build trust, and advance cooperation.

Wang Yi said, we also hope that as this year’s ASEAN Chair, the Philippines will recognize and fulfill its responsibility, resist the pull of self-interest, and play a positive role for peace and stability in the region.