The 10th Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC Held in Chengdu

The 10th Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) was held in Chengdu by China and ASEAN member states on October 20, 2015, with the 15th Joint Working Group Meeting on the sidelines. Diplomats of China and the ten ASEAN member states attended the meetings and exchanged reviews on furthering the implementation of the DOC and strengthening maritime cooperation. An innovative COC consultation was also conducted under the framework of implementing the DOC. 

It was recognized by all participants that the DOC, as the first political paper signed by China and ASEAN member states concerning the South China Sea, was of milestone significance to safeguarding peace and stability in the region. It was in line with the shared interests of all parties concerned to fully and effectively implement the deal.

The meeting spoke highly of progress achieved as it looked back at the implementation of the DOC this year. Participants pledged to contribute more to the sound and steady development of China-ASEAN strategic partnership via full and effective implementation of the DOC and strengthened maritime cooperation. The Plan for Implementing the COC (2015–2016), renewed in the meeting, focused on three major aspects. First, to continue to support the full and effect implementation of the DOC, strengthen mutual trust and push forward cooperation. Second, to advance the implementation of maritime cooperation projects under the DOC Framework. Third, to deepen cooperation in voyage security rescue, maritime research and environmental protection, maritime cross-border crime fighting, and to work on the establishment of concerning technological commissions. 

As for the COC consultations, two open documents—List of Vital and Complicated Issues and List of Elements of the COC Framework Draft—were released after discussion based on outcomes of the Senior Officials' Meeting in Tianjin this July, which ushered in a new phase for the COC consultation. And the Joint working Group was authorized to continue related survey on the two documents. Besides, participants had in-depth exchanges on measures for maritime risk control and emergency prevention. It was agreed in the meeting that the COC consultation outcomes included the second consensus file on the COC consultations, obligations expert group, and the above-mentioned two lists. 

All participants reiterated their shared aspiration for the conclusion of the COC through consultations and based on the full and effective implementation of the DOC. They were to make the South China Sea a region of friendship, peace and cooperation through strengthening maritime coordination, boosting mutual trust and dealing properly with divergences.