Manila, Nov. 13 -- Negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea are now 70 percent complete, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for ASEAN Affairs Dax Imperial did not provide further details but said "there are issues that need to be clarified" and "certain elements that need to be refined."

There is no definite date for the next round of negotiations, but he said the COC is one of the subjects in the upcoming ASEAN ministerial meetings on Nov. 14 and the 49th ASEAN Leaders' Summit.

"I am unable to definitively say when it will be concluded or will it be finalized within the year or not. But what I can say is all are committed to continue with discussions even at this...