China and ASEAN negotiators missed the target of completing a South China Sea Code of Conduct by the end of 2026, according to reporting by the Associated Press citing three regional diplomats. The diplomats said roughly 80% of the draft paragraphs had been provisionally agreed, while difficult issues remained. The delay leaves the parties without the long-discussed framework for managing disputes in the contested waters; it does not itself alter existing claims or maritime arrangements.

The Philippines had publicly described a year-end finish as the goal. Sources: Associated Press (Nov. 10): apnews.com source ↗ ; Washington Post (Nov. 10): washingtonpost.com source ↗ ; Philippine Presidential Communications Office: pco.gov.ph source ↗