Sugiono Pushes Faster South China Sea Code of Conduct at ASEAN Retreat

Cebu: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted the need to accelerate the completion of the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat) held in Cebu, the Philippines, on January 29, 2026.

The meeting marked the start of a series of ASEAN activities under the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship and was attended by foreign ministers from all ASEAN member states. Discussions focused on ASEAN priorities, regional cooperation, and pressing security challenges.

Sugiono expressed Indonesia’s support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” describing it as relevant amid challenges to ASEAN unity and centrality.

“This theme reminds us that ASEAN countries are in the same boat and must remain strong and united in navigating our shared future,” he said, quoted from Indonesia Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.

The retreat addressed several regional issues, including developments in Myanmar and tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border. ASEAN foreign ministers agreed that both situations require constructive and coordinated approaches.

Sugiono underscored the importance of finalizing the South China Sea CoC, which ASEAN and China aim to conclude this year, calling it a critical step toward maintaining regional stability and a rules-based maritime order.

Amid complex global geopolitical dynamics, he said ASEAN must strengthen its self-reliant resilience by reinforcing strategic sectors such as the economy, energy, food security, and technology.

He also urged ASEAN to solidify its political foundations to ensure Southeast Asia remains a zone of peace and is not drawn into proxy conflicts.

“We must play a more substantive role. Our partnerships should strategically reinforce ASEAN’s centrality, unity, and stability,” Sugiono said.

Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), he called on ASEAN to continue upholding the treaty in engagements with external partners to safeguard long-term regional stability.

On the sidelines of the retreat, Sugiono held bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Singapore to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues of mutual concern.