by Xinhua writer Zhu Junqing
BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The probability of agreement on a framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by mid-year is a positive sign.
It means that the two sides are back on track over the issue, sending out a signal to outside meddlers that they can stop making waves.
At the end of an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting Tuesday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, whose country currently chairs ASEAN, said that his country is confident that ASEAN countries will work out a framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea by June or July.
Meanwhile, he said the South China Sea issue is not the "sum-total" of relations between his country and China, and the Philippines has decided to pursue the bigger aspects of ties with China.
In fact, countries directly concerned have returned to the right track over the South China Sea issue despite an ill-founded award on South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the former Philippine government led by then President Benigno Aquino III.
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