Asean statement on South China Sea: the right step forward

In what is seen by many as an unprecedented move, the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a stand-alone statement expressing concern about the developments in the South China Sea and reaffirming “the shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability in the region” where tension has been growing over conflicting claims in the South China Sea.

“We closely follow with concern the recent developments in the South China Sea that may undermine peace, security and stability in the region. We reaffirm the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, safety, security, stability and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the maritime sphere of Southeast Asia, particularly the South China Sea,” the statement read.

The six-point statement likewise reaffirmed “the need to restore and enhance mutual trust and confidence as well as exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability,” urging that “actions that may further complicate the situation” must be avoided.

While some have expressed disappointment that the statement seemed very innocuous and “watered down” as it did not specify the “recent developments” that have caused concern and what kind of “activities” have heightened tension in the region – in particular the aggressive actions of China Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels against Philippine Coast Guard vessels and resupply boats that include the spraying of high-pressure water cannons, pointing of military grade lasers and dangerous maneuvers with incidents of collision in areas that fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone – many find it significant that the statement urged “full  respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”

The hesitation by other ASEAN members to call out China is also understandable since these countries have a close relationship with China, particularly economic, as it is