Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 15 - As the incoming ASEAN chairman, Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen informed the international community in advance to not blame Cambodia if the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) can not be issued.

The premier spoke at the inauguration ceremony of Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh on Wednesday.

"Back in 2012, Cambodia was forced to be a judge on territorial disputes of the South China Sea and as chairman of ASEAN, it was impossible to do so," the premier recalled.

Samdech explained that failure to issue the COC statement was not because Cambodia defended China, but because relevant parties claim sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the South China Sea.

"I will work with other ASEAN member countries, together with the People's Republic of China, to negotiate for an acceptable and effective COC. It will also mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC),” the premier underlined.

Samdech continued, “do not let Cambodia be a judge on territorial disputes in the South China Sea.”

Premier Hun Sen reaffirmed the kingdom's three positions as chair of ASEAN regarding the South China Sea disputes, including full implementation of the DOC, calling for joint coordination from relevant countries, and joint efforts to achieve the COC.
=FRESH NEWS