UPDATE 1-Vietnam says China military drills could harm maritime code talks

(Adds details and background)
By Phuong Nguyen
HANOI, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Vietnam said on Thursday that
military drills conducted this week by Beijing in the South
China Sea will hurt negotiations on a regional maritime code of
conduct (COC) for the disputed waters.
The exercises could complicate efforts to restart talks on a
long-awaited code between China and the Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN), foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi
Thu Hang told a regular briefing.
China on Monday began five military exercises simultaneously
along different parts of its coast, including two exercises near
Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam. "The resumption of code of conduct (COC) negotiations after
a long pause because of the (coronavirus) pandemic is the
priority of ASEAN countries and China," Hang said.
Vietnam shared that priority and "looks forward to
"concluding the COC in an effective, comprehensive way", in line
with international law, Hang said.
China, which has for years been locked in maritime disputes
with other coastal states in the South China Sea, has in recent
months boosted its presence and held exercises in disputed parts
of the strategic waterway, at a time when other claimants are
battling coronavirus outbreaks.
The United States has accused China of bullying its
neighbours, while Beijing says Washington and its Western allies
have been interfering and endangering security by sending naval
vessels to the region.
In August, Vietnam said the presence of Chinese bombers on
the Paracel islands "jeopardises peace". Hang said on Thursday that Vietnam demanded that China
respect its sovereignty and does not repeat such drills in the
area.
The COC has been a stated goal of ASEAN and China for nearly
two decades, but regional security experts have questioned
China's sincerity towards concluding it and doubted whether a
legally binding agreement can be forged.