Manila, May 29 -- Australia renewed its call for a South China Sea code of conduct (COC) that would not prejudice the rights of third party states on the vital sea lane.

Australian Ambassador HK Yu made the comment as talks on an effective code between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) progress, with negotiators looking to finish the agreement by 2026.

"Once again, our position on that has always been clear - whatever is achieved through the code of conduct, it has to ensure that it protects all, not just the members, but all who use those waterways, including non-participants like Australia," she told reporters on the sidelines of the Foreign Service Institute Ambassadors' Lecture Series in Pasay City on Thur...