South China Sea issue tests relations between China and Asean
Simon Tay says the real test of relations between China and Asean will be whether they can solve the South China Sea issue on their own
Clues about the character of the new Chinese leadership are emerging from its interactions with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Following the Asean summit, China's new foreign minister, Wang Yi , visited the region for the first time. Ties are co-operative on many fronts but the South China Sea remains the hot-button issue that is colouring the overall relationship.
Four Asean members contest China's claims to various islets and features, with Vietnam and the Philippines the most active and vocal compared to Malaysia and Brunei. While the group remains neutral, some changes are perceptible.
Last year, then chair Cambodia refused any mention of the issue and as a result, for the first time the bloc failed to reach an agreed statement. Some feared Chinese pressure would undermine Asean unity. In contrast, the current chair, Brunei, has so far been successful in keeping the issue on the agenda, without appearing to be one-sided.
Its leader, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, has stepped up to personally visit Washington and Beijing, and then go to Manila. These special efforts - in just six weeks - ensure attention at the highest level. It is to the chair's credit that the latest Asean summit did not repeat the Phnom Penh phenomenon.
The six-point principles for resolving maritime issues were re-emphasised as a basis to jump-start negotiations on a binding code of conduct. Nothing especially new, but enough to put the process back on track and shift the onus to Beijing.
Enter Wang to visit the region. Critics point out that he skirted the claimants, except Brunei. Yet this was to be expected for a new minister, who has a deserved reputation for skill and smoothness. Tensions have, after all, risen in recent months.
