Despite US meddling, China and ASEAN back on track over sea dispute

The increasing likelihood of an agreement to be reached on a framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN) by mid- year is a positive indicator.

It means that the two sides are back on track over the issue, sending out a signal to outside meddlers that they can stop stirring up trouble.

At the end of an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting Tuesday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, whose country currently chairs ASEAN, said that his country is con- fident that ASEAN countries will work out a framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea by June or July of this year.

Meanwhile, he said the South China Sea issue is not the “sum- total” of relations between his country and China, and the Philippines has decided to pursue stronger ties with China.

In fact, countries directly concerned have returned to the right track over the South China Sea issue despite the result of the South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the former Philippine government led by then president Benigno Aquino III.

The signing of the ChinaASEAN joint statement on the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the South China Sea and other documents at last year’s East Asian leaders’ meetings showed that the parties involved have been ready to focus their energy on building trust. Such momentum needs to be maintained.

As for foreign media’s hype of China’s militarization in the South China Sea, it is rooted in self- interest and ulterior motives.

China is doing nothing more than maintaining and defending its territorial integrity and legitimate maritime rights in the waters, and its reclama- tion and construction activities are mainly for civilian purposes and the public good.

China always respects the freedom of navigation and the freedom of overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, and has never disturbed legitimate passage.

The situation in the South China Sea has long been stable thanks to the efforts of both China and the directly involved parties.

However, the United States, under its “pivot to Asia” strategy, has increased its military presence in the region under the pretext of freedom of navigation.

China will adhere to a peaceful approach, based on historical facts and international law, to the South China Sea issue through dialogue and consultation with the directly concerned countries.

Meanwhile, it hopes that outsiders will respect the efforts made by China and ASEAN and be more helpful towards maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.