China’s Approaches to the South China Sea Code of Conduct Negotiation

China is pressing ahead with the negotiation on a code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea with remarkable resolve. The new COC-centred diplomacy was motivated to suppress the impact of the Philippines versus China arbitral ruling, de-escalate regional tension and promote cooperation, especially the Belt and Road Initiative. It also serves as a broad strategic goal, i.e. preserving stability by banishing the ruling and creating a new diplomatic process with China exercising some control.