MANILA — The next round of negotiations on a South China Sea (SCS) Code of Conduct (COC) will take place in the last week of February, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

At a press briefing in Pasay City, DFA maritime affairs spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva said senior officials from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will meet in Singapore.

The Philippines, serving as this year’s ASEAN chair, aims to fast-track negotiations and finalize the COC by the end of 2026.

“As chair of the ASEAN, the Philippines has committed to pursue the momentum in the negotiations for the substantive and effective Code of Conduct,” Villanueva said.

He added that monthly face-to-face meetings are being held in coordination with China and other ASEAN members to create more opportunities for dialogue.

On the bilateral front, Villanueva said the DFA continues to engage China to manage tensions and resolve the West Philippine Sea dispute through peaceful and diplomatic means. Both sides are also discussing the schedule for the next Philippine-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea.

The government is simultaneously strengthening alliances and partnerships to uphold a rules-based maritime order anchored in international law. The Philippines currently maintains 11 maritime dialogues to enhance its capabilities.

“Even as the DFA deepens alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries, it also maintains open lines of communication with the Chinese side in pursuit of candid, constructive dialogue and practical cooperation,” Villanueva said.

He also welcomed the Senate’s initiative to hold talks with the Chinese Embassy in Manila after recent public exchanges. Villanueva described the planned dialogue as “an opportunity for frank, cordial, and professional discussion — one that can candidly address divergent positions while also identifying areas of common understanding.”

The Senate is already coordinating directly with the embassy to set a meeting.

“If the Senate reaches out to the DFA, definitely we are prepared to extend the necessary assistance,” Villanueva said.