| Publication |
2012.
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| Summary/Abstract |
Against the backdrop of China's growing assertiveness on sovereign and strategic interests in the
South China Sea, territorial disputes in this resource-rich sea area have re-emerged among the
claimants, including some ASEAN members. Vietnam in particular has been increasingly concerned
about China's expanding physical presence and assertive, sometimes aggressive, actions to manage
natural resources. Vietnam strives to check China's rise not by "containing" the country using military
options, but to place the issue on the agenda of ASEAN-centered multilateral dialogue frameworks
and achieve a breakthrough by making use of the collective diplomatic power of ASEAN, and as
appropriate, the engagement of countries outside of the region. Furthermore, Vietnam endeavors to
strengthen its hedging against the rise of China by carefully forging closer ties with the US. The
Philippines, too, increasingly views China's movements with caution, and is reinforcing its ASEANcentered diplomatic activities as well as promoting security cooperation with the US. In contrast,
Malaysia has not made any notable moves other than modernizing its naval capabilities. Indonesia,
as the ASEAN Chair in 2011, was proactive in conducting multilateral talks by hosting a series of
ASEAN-related meetings. ASEAN members are expected to continue to pursue multi-dimensional
diplomacy toward the peaceful settlement of disputes. The challenge will be how ASEAN will be able
to maintain its unity.
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