A member of the South China Sea Council, Anak Agung Banyu Perwita, is urging Southeast Asian nations to expedite negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. This call comes after a decade since the arbitral tribunal ruling regarding the South China Sea disputes proved ineffective in resolving the ongoing tensions. Perwita believes pursuing the COC is now the most viable path forward. The arbitration ruling, which largely favored the Philippines, has been consistently rejected by China. Consequently, direct negotiations aiming for a legally binding COC are seen as crucial for managing disputes and preventing escalation in the region. A swift agreement would provide a framework for peaceful resolution and regional stability.