On the South China Sea and other contentious issues, Asean must speak with one voice

Simon Tay says in the wake of a confusing statement made by the grouping’s ministers, following a summit with China, efforts must be made to better coordinate diplomacy

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Simon Tay

Published: 4:59pm, 29 Jun 2016Updated: 4:59pm, 29 Jun 2016

Asean should be flexible, especially in this period of heightened sensitivity, and reconsider the balance between quiet diplomacy and public statement. Illustration: Craig Stephens

Much controversy has followed the recent Asean-China meeting in Kunming (昆明), where an Association of Southeast Asian Nations ministerial statement was issued and then retracted. The initial statement contained what some saw as strong words about the South China Sea and most media reports suggest two members – Cambodia and Laos – subsequently changed their minds.

Some see this as a low point in ties and a split in Asean under pressure from China. Others suggest that problems arose from bureaucratic confusion. Differing statements will no doubt surface. Cambodian leader Hun Sen, for one, now denies that he was pressed by Beijing.

What must be clear even now, however, is that no one has gained from this – neither China nor any Asean member state. What should be considered is whether a similar fracas can be prevented in future.

Foreign ministers assemble for the Asean-China meeting. Photo: Reuters

ASEAN confusion shows disunity over South China Sea row

Let’s begin by seeing this in context. The South China Sea issue has been hot over these past years but sentiment is especially acute now. The Philippines has put aspects of the dispute to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and a decision is due shortly.