Codes of conduct in the South China Sea and Taiwanʹs stand

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China are in the process of negotiating a regional code of conduct in the South China Sea. It is believed that the code, if adopted, will help to build trust and confidence among the claimants to ownership of the disputed islands located in the Spratlys/South China Sea area as well as promote stability in the Asia–Pacific region. Taiwan is one of the six parties directly involved in the sovereignty and maritime jurisdictional disputes in the area. However, it has been excluded from participating in the regional efforts to formulate the code of conduct. This article examines the current situation of the formulation of the ASEAN–China regional code of conduct in the South China Sea and Taiwanʹs stand on the issue.