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ASEAN and China must start tackling thorny issues of South China Sea code, Philippines says

The article from MSN discusses the ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts concerning the South China Sea disputes between ASEAN countries and China. The Philippines has urged both ASEAN and China to begin addressing the more challenging aspects of the proposed Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea. This call to action comes amidst increasing confrontations, such as the recent incident where Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons against Philippine vessels. The article highlights the slow progress in negotiations, with the COC intended to manage and prevent conflicts in this strategically vital and resource-rich region. The Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary, Enrique Manalo, emphasized the need to tackle these "thorny issues" to move forward, despite the complexities involved in negotiating with China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping with the Exclusive Economic Zones of several ASEAN nations.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/asean-and-china-must-start-tackling-thorny-issues-of-south-china-sea-code-philippines-says/ar-AA1xqlJI ]