Australia Urges South China Sea Ruling as a Basis for a 'Code of Conduct'

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations should use an international court's rejection of China's claims to almost all the South China Sea as a basis for a code of conduct, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on Thursday (16/03). (Reuters Photo)

Manila. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations should use an international court's rejection of China's claims to almost all the South China Sea as a basis for a code of conduct, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on Thursday (16/03).

Australia did not take sides in the South China Sea disputes, Bishop said, but it wanted to see "de-escalation of tension," reiterating its opposition to China's militarization of man-made islands in the waters.

China and the 10-memberChina in The Hague and as China started militarizing artificial islands it built up on reefs in the South China Sea.

The tribunal ruled last year in Manila's favor, but the election of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has seen a dramatic U-turn in his country's approach.

Duterte has said repeatedly he wants to avoid confrontation with China and sees no need to press it to abide by the ruling.

Bishop said Asean should "recognize the force that it has when it speaks with one voice and it should not take a backward step if it believes that the positions it is putting are in its interest and not be cowed to backing down because of any fears of what might occur."

Asean's statements of concern often avoid mentioning China by name. Much