CIL Research Associate Chau Do published an op-ed entitled “Are China-Philippines tensions sinking the South China Sea Code of Conduct?”. This op-ed examines the renewed frictions between China and the Philippines and how these frictions are not facilitating are not facilitating for a conducive environment needed for COC negotiations. It argues that the act of concluding COC talks alone would be a step towards easing tensions among claimant states in the South China Sea and that a ‘without prejudice’ clause in the COC may offer the pragmatic reassurance that the region needs in the current geopolitical climate. The op-ed can be accessed here.