Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun speaks at a regular press conference in Beijing, China. (Photo: VCG)

China hopes relevant countries can reach an agreement on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at an early date, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a regular press briefing in Beijing in response to a media inquiry about the formulation of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

A Chinese Coast Guard vessel patrols around Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea, June 30, 2025. (Photo: CFP)

Formulating the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea is an important step in implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and represents a significant consensus between China and ASEAN countries, Guo noted.

"It will help all parties better manage differences, promote cooperation, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea," the spokesperson said.

Guo told the conference that China is currently engaged in close consultations with ASEAN countries on the text of the Code.

"We hope that all parties will remain committed to the goal, focus on consensus, eliminate external interference, and strive to reach an agreement on the Code at an early date," he added.