SOUTH CHINA SEA: A MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT

By
Dr S. D. Pradhan

The paper contains a brief analysis of current developments relating to the South China Sea disputes and the efforts for working out an agreed Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea to resolve the conflict. While the tension is continuing even after the signing of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Document of Conduct (DOC), the efforts at the diplomatic and experts levels are continuing to produce a workable draft COC. After considering the points of view expressed by involved States and drafts produced by experts, a model COC is prepared for the consideration. This draft is based on the presumption that the States would be willing to have a temporary arrangement to manage the affairs of the South China Sea and place the conflicting claims of sovereignty on the back burner. The draft COC also supports the creation of a regional mechanism to manage the affairs of the sea. Detailed Paper