Talks on the framework for a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea have made important progress, even as the code will be discussed during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila, according to Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong on Monday.
The important meetings will be attended by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
Last August, foreign ministers of ASEAN and China adopted a negotiating framework for a code of conduct on the South China Sea.
But critics saw this as a tactic for China to buy more time to consolidate its maritime power.
The framework provides an outline for how the code will be established.
Critics however doubt its effectiveness as the code of conduct needs to be legally binding and enforceable. It also has to provide for a mechanism for dispute resolution.
Premier Li Keqiang is going to attend the East Asia Summit on November 12 and will pay an official visit to the Philippines.