Chinese FM: Early conclusion of consultations on Code of Conduct in South China Sea conducive to regional peace - news.cgtn.com

In China on 22 July 2026, the Chinese foreign minister said an early conclusion of consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea would be conducive to regional peace. He was speaking at the ASEAN-China Post-Ministerial Conference, where Chinese and Philippine ministers also met over the code of conduct.

At the same regional gathering, where the Iran war loomed large, Rubio held talks with China's Wang Yi and discussed laying the groundwork for the Chinese president's US visit. The Washington Post says Rubio struck a cordial tone after Trump's claims of election meddling. Global Times said China and ASEAN pushed for cooperation and progress on the code amid what it called Philippines-provoked frictions.