# It is time for ASEAN to take a stance in the South China Sea

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/138377-it-is-time-for-asean-to-take-a-stance-in-the-south-china-sea
- Published: 2024-04-30T15:07:30+07:00
- Author: East Asia Forum

**ASEAN silent on China’s aggression in South China Sea. Urged to support Philippines
and uphold regional security. Need for assertiveness.**

## ASEAN’s Silent Response

Despite statements of support from other countries, ASEAN has remained noticeably
silent on Chinese transgressions against the Philippines in the Second Thomas Shoal.
This silence is contradictory to ASEAN’s principles and commitments, especially 
regarding the peaceful resolution of disputes.

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ASEAN’s silence on Chinese actions in the Second Thomas Shoal raises questions about
the organization’s ability to effectively address regional security challenges and
uphold its principles. It also highlights the complexities of navigating territorial
disputes in the South China Sea, where overlapping claims and geopolitical interests
create significant obstacles to achieving peaceful resolutions.

## Unequal Claims and Negotiations

There is a stark disparity between China’s claims on the shoal and the Philippines’
territorial integrity. The negotiation process for the Code of Conduct in the South
China Sea has been ongoing for over two decades, indicating the challenges of enforcing
international law against powerful nations like China.

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## Inaction on Regional Security

ASEAN’s silence on the Second Thomas Shoal undermines its credibility in managing
regional security issues, particularly when it involves a superpower threatening
one of its members. This passiveness extends to ASEAN’s response to the AUKUS alliance,
potentially compromising the institution’s interests in the region.

## Call for Assertiveness

To maintain relevance and uphold its principles, ASEAN must publicly support the
Philippines and indirectly criticize China’s actions. A joint statement expressing
concern and support for the Philippines’ sovereignty can send a strong message to
China while avoiding direct confrontation and preserving ASEAN’s role in regional
security.

The lack of a unified ASEAN response to Chinese transgressions in the Second Thomas
Shoal underscores the need for continued diplomatic efforts and multilateral engagement
to address maritime disputes in the region. It also emphasizes the importance of
upholding international law and promoting peaceful dialogue to prevent further escalation
of tensions in the South China Sea.

**Read original article here :** : [Time for ASEAN to stand up in the South China Sea](https://eastasiaforum.org/2024/04/27/time-for-asean-to-stand-up-in-the-south-china-sea/?rand=86372)