The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) prefers a diplomatic approach to the South China Sea issue despite rising external interference in regional affairs, according to an Indonesian expert on international relations.
On July 12, 2016, a so-called arbitral tribunal, unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, issued an award rejecting China's South China Sea maritime claims.
On the 10th anniversary of the so-called South China Sea "arbitration award," 14 countries led by the United States and the Philippines issued a joint statement supporting the tribunal's position.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Muhammad Syaroni Rofi, a lecturer in the Department of Global Strategic, Resilience, and Security Studies at the University of Indonesia, stressed that ASEAN prefers a diplomatic approach to South China Sea issue and prioritizes consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the sea area between the bloc and China.
"If we look at the declaration issued by 14 nations, ostensibly to mark the 2016 arbitration ruling, we can identify the key players involved. The Philippines is clearly the primary actor here, having acted on its own sovereign initiative. In contrast, ASEAN's stance is clear: member states prefer a diplomatic approach and prioritize the Code of Conduct. The Philippines, however, appears intent on internationalizing the issue by engaging major powers such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other European nations, as well as Japan. Notably, most of these actors are located outside the region. ASEAN, meanwhile, maintains a clear position of not amplifying the issue," he said.
"The Code of Conduct serves as a means to avoid confrontation. Without such a code, there is a potential for future volatility on the ground. Therefore, I view the COC as a diplomatic path, a route toward compromise. Rather than engaging in protracted, unresolved debates over maritime issues, the Code of Conduct represents a middle ground. It is a compromise that offers a 'win-win' solution for the parties involved, and this is the approach being championed within ASEAN. ASEAN leaders generally prefer to avoid confrontation with any major power, making the Code of Conduct a viable diplomatic avenue to pursue," he added.
Muhammad Syaroni Rofi said that enhanced military alliance between the Philippines and the United States poses threat to regional stability and economic growth.
"For the region to achieve growth, however, it is crucial to avoid any sparks of conflict. This requires maintaining peaceful relations with all key actors, including China as a major power, as well as the United States and its allies. Conversely, any escalation involving military provocation is detrimental to the region. Instances of 'shows of force', such as the extensive military exercises conducted by the U.S. and the Philippines, which featured the deployment of HIMARS (long-range ballistic missile systems), introduce elements that are unusual for this area," he said.
ASEAN prefers diplomatic approach to South China Sea issue: Indonesian expert
