The 9th Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC Held in Tianjin

The 9th Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) was held in Tianjin by China and ASEAN member states on July 29, 2015. Participants exchanged views over fully and effectively implementing the DOC as well as strengthening maritime cooperation in a friendly and candid manner. Besides, they also had consultations on a COC under the framework of implementing the DOC.

Officials at the meeting agreed that the DOC, the first political file signed by China and ASEAN member states on the South China Sea issues, was of milestone significance to the peace and stability of the region. To continue implementing fully and effectively the DOC was in line with the interests of all parties and was conducive to the steady development of China-ASEAN strategic partnership. 

Recalling the implementation of the DOC, the meeting recognized the progress made. All parties agreed to continue the full and effective implementation of the DOC and to deepen their cooperation so as to contribute more to the steady and sound development of China-ASEAN strategic partnership. The meeting ratified the Plan for Implementing the DOC (2015–2016), passed the Second File on a COC Consultations, and the Obligations of Experts, and proposed the establishment of three technical committees—Committee on Maritime Security and Rescue, Committee on Maritime Survey and Environmental Protection, and Committee on Fighting Maritime Cross-border Crimes. What's more, the meeting urged the Joint Working Group to implement the "early harvest" outcomes achieved last year, to kick off negotiations on guidelines for the China-ASEAN Joint Maritime Search and Rescue Hotline and the Communication Hotline between China-ASEAN Senior Officials over Maritime Emergency at an early date. 

As for the consultations on a COC, it had been agreed among all parties to initiate specific discussions on key and complicated issues, including seeking common ground for the drafting of a COC Framework. At the same time, the meeting authorized the Joint Working Group to work on methods for COC consultation. What's more, to ensure effective control over maritime situations before a COC came into effect and to prevent emergencies, participants exchanged views on a mechanism for maritime risk control and emergency prevention. 

They also emphasized that all parties were to continue joining hands in safeguarding the peace and stability of the South China Sea through strengthening communications, accumulating mutual trust and consensus, and removing obstructions.