Diplomatic win for China as ASEAN drops reference to maritime court ruling

[Xiaoshu]

China scored a diplomatic victory on Monday as Southeast Asian nations dropped a U.S.-backed proposal to mention a landmark international court ruling against Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea in a joint statement.

 

A weekend deadlock between Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers was broken only when the Philippines withdrew its request to mention the ruling in the face of resolute objections from Cambodia, China's closest ASEAN ally.

 

China publicly thanked Phnom Penh for the support, which threw the regional bloc's meeting in the Laos capital of Vientiane into disarray.

 

The United States had earlier on Monday urged ASEAN to make a reference to the July 12 ruling by the U.N.-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration, in which U.S. ally Manila won an emphatic legal victory over China on the dispute.

 

In a meeting with host Laos' Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry "urged ASEAN to reach consensus and issue a joint statement on the arbitral tribunals recent ruling on the South China Sea", said U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner.

 

Kerry pressed the issue during other bilateral meetings with ASEAN members, Toner said.

 

Competing claims with China in the vital shipping lane are among the most contentious issues for the 10 members of ASEAN, who are pulled between their desire to assert their sovereignty while fostering ties with an increasingly assertive Beijing.

 

ASEAN CONSENSUS

The Philippines and Vietnam both wanted the ruling, which denied China's sweeping claims in the strategic seaway that channels more than $5 trillion in global trade each year, and a call to respect international maritime law to feature in the communique.

 

But ASEAN works strictly by consensus, and Cambodia rejected the wording on the ruling, diplomats said, backing instead China's call for bilateral discussions.

 

Manila backed down to prevent the disagreement leading to the group failing to issue a joint statement after a meeting for only the second time in its 49-year history.

 

The communique referred instead to the need to find peaceful resolutions to disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, including the United Nations' law of the sea, to which the court ruling referred.

"We remain seriously concerned about recent and ongoing developments and took note of the concerns expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations and escalation of activities in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region," the ASEAN communique said.

 

ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh said that the communique was not a victory for China, but for ASEAN's values and principle of finding consensus. But he conceded an earlier proposal for the communique referred to the court's decision.

 

In a separate statement, China and ASEAN reaffirmed a commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and said they would refrain from activities that would complicate or escalate disputes. That included inhabiting any presently uninhabited islands or reefs, it added.

 

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said a page had been turned after the "deeply flawed" ruling and it was time to lower the temperature in the dispute.

 

"It seems like certain countries from outside the region have got all worked up, keeping the fever high," Wang told reporters.

 

China frequently blames the United States for raising tensions in the region and has warned regional rival Japan to steer clear of the dispute.

 

MAJOR POWERS ARRIVE

 

The United States, allied with the Philippines and cultivating closer relations with Vietnam, has called on China to respect the court's ruling.

 

It has criticized China's building of artificial islands and facilities in the sea and has sailed warships close to the disputed territory to assert freedom of navigation rights.

 

Meeting U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice in Beijing, Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi said both countries needed to make concerted efforts to ensure stable and good relations between the two major powers.

 

"So far this year, relations between China and the United States have generally been stable, maintaining coordination and cooperation on bilateral, regional and international level. Meanwhile, both sides face challenging differences that need to be carefully handled," said Yang, who outranks the foreign minister.

 

Kerry arrived in Laos on Monday for the ASEAN regional forum and East Asia summits.

 

After a meeting with the foreign ministers of Japan and Australia, the three countries issued a statement in which they called on China and the Philippines to abide by the court ruling "which is final and legally binding on both parties".

 

"The ministers stressed that this is a crucial opportunity for the region to uphold the existing rules-based international order and to show respect for international law," they said.

 

Kerry was also expected to discuss maritime issues in a meeting with Wang on Monday.

 

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-ruling-asean-idUSKCN1050F6

[cosmic latte]

it's disgusting that china tried to create diversions among ASEAN by bribing cambodia

 

remove cambodia from ASEAN

 

it is literally the only country holding them back (and Laos too maybe)

[Onehallyu#1NiceOppaKW]

Listen to US will only escalated conflict. Now put the declaration and code of conduct to use.

[bâ„“aster]

Dirty. China bought Cambodia already.

[bzz]

it's disgusting that china tried to create diversions among ASEAN by bribing cambodia

 

remove cambodia from ASEAN

 

it is literally the only country holding them back (and Laos too maybe)

Yes.

 

If anything, this just shows how un-unified, how weak ASEAN is. If ASEAN were united, it can put considerable pressure on China.

[Xiaoshu]

Has ASEAN ever seen Cambodia in their eyes?

 

When Cambodia had dispute about Pras Vihear Teemple claim, no one ASEAN member dare to say a word. Bc Cam is so poor so it's just nothing to them.

 

Blaming Cambodia for not go against China is ridiculous. This dispute is nothing to do with Cambodia. Cam government has received positive reaction from their people for this decision-making. It's so sensitive in Cambodia bc it relates to Vietnam. If government dare to say agree it means Cam is helping Vietnam. It's a NO. 

 

There is no benefit for Cambodia to involve in this dispute. I wonder how about Thailand, Singapore,..., did they already say sth? Since Cambodia was called the only one country to block this agreement. 

[cosmic latte]

Yes.

 

If anything, this just shows how un-unified, how weak ASEAN is. If ASEAN were united, it can put considerable pressure on China.

 

they were usually united. like this is the first time they're not united, only in this south china sea issue. 

 

unfortunately, it is not surprising that cambodia sided with china because they are allies and china put a lot of investment in that country.

 

i just find it disgusting that china publicly accounted million dollars to cambodia in the form of aids and loans right after the international court indicted that china's claims were illegal

[Onehallyu#1NiceOppaKW]

 

 

There is no benefit for Cambodia to involve in this dispute. I wonder how about Thailand, Singapore,..., did they already say sth? Since Cambodia was called the only one country to block this agreement. 

Thailand support China PCA rejection, Singapore went all silent want the Asean meeting to be successful.

[cosmic latte]

Has ASEAN ever seen Cambodia in their eyes?

 

When Cambodia had dispute about Pras Vihear Teemple claim, no one ASEAN member dare to say a word. Bc Cam is so poor so it's just nothing to them.

 

Blaming Cambodia for not go against China is ridiculous. This dispute is nothing to do with Cambodia. Cam government has received positive reaction from their people for this decision-making. It's so sensitive in Cambodia bc it relates to Vietnam. If government dare to say agree it means Cam is helping Vietnam. It's a NO. 

 

There is no benefit for Cambodia to involve in this dispute. I wonder how about Thailand, Singapore,..., did they already say sth? Since Cambodia was called the only one country to block this agreement. 

 

this is why every country citizens other than cambodia agree to remove cambodia from ASEAN. by removing the country, we're doing them favour too. they can now be alliance with china peacefully

[Xiaoshu]

Thailand support China PCA rejection, Singapore went all silent want the Asean meeting to be successful.

Lol and they only blame Cambodia. 

 

this is why every country citizens other than cambodia agree to remove cambodia from ASEAN. by removing the country, we're doing them favour too. they can now be alliance with china peacefully

Can you name those country? It doesn't depends to them to decide on this matter after all. 

 

Just stay silent and receive money. It's not bad (-:

[Onehallyu#1NiceOppaKW]

Lol and they only blame Cambodia.

I don't really see Cambodia blaming circulating.

[Queen's Mine]

it's disgusting that china tried to create diversions among ASEAN by bribing cambodia

 

remove cambodia from ASEAN

 

it is literally the only country holding them back (and Laos too maybe)

u think USA will help Vietnam or Philippine for free? USA just use Philippine or Vietnam for USA gain.

 

I don't understand why Vietnamese or Philippino supporting USA to enter South China Sea, did u all forget about Vietnam war or USA colonization in Philippine?

 

 

[Xiaoshu]

I don't really see Cambodia blaming circulating.

Seems like this matter is spreading widely on fb in my country. Kh-netz just show their mix-to-negative reaction toward this news. No one support gov to involve in this dispute.

[Onehallyu#1NiceOppaKW]

Seems like this matter is spreading widely on fb in my country. Kh-netz just show their mix-to-negative reaction toward this news. No one support gov to involve in this dispute.

 

 

 

unfortunately, it is not surprising that cambodia sided with china because they are allies and china put a lot of investment in that country.

 

i just find it disgusting that china publicly accounted million dollars to cambodia in the form of aids and loans right after the international court indicted that china's claims were illegal

This is how politic work. Everyone for themselves.

[bzz]

they were usually united. like this is the first time they're not united, only in this south china sea issue. 

 

unfortunately, it is not surprising that cambodia sided with china because they are allies and china put a lot of investment in that country.

 

i just find it disgusting that china publicly accounted million dollars to cambodia in the form of aids and loans right after the international court indicted that china's claims were illegal

Nope, another sign of fragmented ASEAN is TPP. While some countries pushing ASEAN - xxx FTA, some are joining TPP, by which ASEAN - xxx FTA will be impossible.

 

I've re-read and found that Laos chose to be silent, only Cambodia opposed. Laos had chosen to side China before, but kept silent this time as it should not show bias as the president of the meeting.

 

Thailand support China PCA rejection, Singapore went all silent want the Asean meeting to be successful.

Receipt? No Thai media reported this.

 

Lol and they only blame Cambodia. 

 

Can you name those country? It doesn't depends to them to decide on this matter after all. 

 

Just stay silent and receive money. It's not bad (-:

It is bad.

Let me quote an article on South China Sea dispute from the website of a state agency of Thailand (Defence Technology Institute).

 

"A concern is the China's befriending strategy. It is a crystal clear fact that ASEAN is a main stake holder in this dispute and confrontation is inevitable. However, ASEAN nations are not tightly-knitted. China is offering benefits that some ASEAN nations will side with China or at least keep silent over the dispute. China has invested enormously in Cambodia, constructing roads, generators and ports. The cost of Chinese investment accounted of half of foreign investment in Cambodia in order to overshadow the influence of Vietnam in Cambodia. This intriguing scheme put ASEAN nations in dilemma if they will opt short-term domestic interest or long-term regional interest. The formulation of AEC is meant for long term benefit of the region and takes time to bear fruit whereas China's aid is quick and tangible. All ASEAN members realize that, for small countries, to unite is the only sustainable method to protect themselves internationally. It will be undermining if a member is a free rider and care more on its individual interest over the group's interest."

 

u think USA will help Vietnam or Philippine for free? USA just use Philippine or Vietnam for USA gain.

,

I don't understand why Vietnamese or Philippino supporting USA to enter South China Sea, did u all forget about Vietnam war or USA colonization in Philippine?

 

 

I don't think anyone believe so. No one believes USA will help purely for charity. But, even if USA takes all petroleum in the sea, PH and VN still can freely fish and gain some tax, plus they will not have to worry if China will close the sea. Earning scraps is better than none.

 

USA just took over PH from Spain and USA was a better colonizer than Spain. I don't know how Vietnamese think about USA's participation in Vietnam War, but I don't think Vietnam the victor ever had grave grudge over USA the loser.

[Queen's Mine]

Nope, another sign of fragmented ASEAN is TPP. While some countries pushing ASEAN - xxx FTA, some are joining TPP, by which ASEAN - xxx FTA will be impossible.

 

I've re-read and found that Laos chose to be silent, only Cambodia opposed. Laos had chosen to side China before, but kept silent this time as it should not show bias as the president of the meeting.

 

Receipt? No Thai media reported this.

 

It is bad.

Let me quote an article on South China Sea dispute from the website of a state agency of Thailand.

 

"A concern is the China's befriending strategy. It is a crystal clear fact that ASEAN is a main stake holder in this dispute and confrontation is inevitable. However, ASEAN nations are not tightly-knitted. China is offering benefits that some ASEAN nations will side with China or at least keep silent over the dispute. China has invested enormously in Cambodia, constructing roads, generators and ports. The cost of Chinese investment accounted of half of foreign investment in Cambodia in order to overshadow the influence of Vietnam in Cambodia. This intriguing scheme put ASEAN nations in dilemma if they will opt short-term domestic interest or long-term regional interest. The formulation of AEC is meant for long term benefit of the region and takes time to bear fruit whereas China's aid is quick and tangible. All ASEAN members realize that, for small countries, to unite is the only sustainable method to protect themselves internationally. It will be undermining if a member is a free rider and care more on its individual interest over the group's interest."

 

I don't think anyone believe so. No one believes USA will help purely for charity. But, even if USA takes all petroleum in the sea, PH and VN still can freely fish and gain some tax, plus they will not have to worry if China will close the sea. Earning scraps is better than none.

 

USA just took over PH from Spain and USA was a better colonizer than Spain. I don't know how Vietnamese think about USA's participation in Vietnam War, but I don't think Vietnam the victor ever had grave grudge over USA the loser.

let see if China stop all trade and investments to Vietnam and Philippine, who suffer the most.

 

Lol where are u from? Thailand hmmm.... How come Thailand person can understand how it feel about USA colonization in PH and Vietnam war?

 

Vietnam War casualties is more than 3.000.000 People, so it means nothing to you?

 

If USA so that good, why PH claim independence from USA in 1946?

 

Go study first Idi*t

[Ice_]

It's always these 2users lol

[Onehallyu#1NiceOppaKW]

 

 

 

Receipt? No Thai media reported this.

 

 

 

[Xiaoshu]

It is bad.

Let me quote an article on South China Sea dispute from the website of a state agency of Thailand (Defence Technology Institute).

 

"A concern is the China's befriending strategy. It is a crystal clear fact that ASEAN is a main stake holder in this dispute and confrontation is inevitable. However, ASEAN nations are not tightly-knitted. China is offering benefits that some ASEAN nations will side with China or at least keep silent over the dispute. China has invested enormously in Cambodia, constructing roads, generators and ports. The cost of Chinese investment accounted of half of foreign investment in Cambodia in order to overshadow the influence of Vietnam in Cambodia. This intriguing scheme put ASEAN nations in dilemma if they will opt short-term domestic interest or long-term regional interest. The formulation of AEC is meant for long term benefit of the region and takes time to bear fruit whereas China's aid is quick and tangible. All ASEAN members realize that, for small countries, to unite is the only sustainable method to protect themselves internationally. It will be undermining if a member is a free rider and care more on its individual interest over the group's interest."

 

I know ASEAN is willing to sacrifice poor/weak member in order to help another more powerful/richer members. It's so stupid if Cambodia has to sacrifice herself to help PHI and Viet. If China stop/reduce investment to Cam I don't think ASEAN will help this poor country. 

 

It's ok if the country isn't in the poorer situation. As the article mentioned, Cam economy highly depends on China. So it's no choice.

 

Anyway, "It's ok to become China's cheese rather than helping Vietnam" was tagged on facebook. 

[Queen's Mine]

I know ASEAN is willing to sacrifice poor/weak member in order to help another more powerful/richer members. It's so stupid if Cambodia has to sacrifice herself to help PHI and Viet. If China stop/reduce investment to Cam I don't think ASEAN will help this poor country.

 

It's ok if the country isn't in the poorer situation. As the article mentioned, Cam economy highly depends on China. So it's no choice.

 

Anyway, "It's ok to become China's cheese rather than helping Vietnam" was tagged on facebook.

I didn't know relationship between Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Nyanmar and Cambodia. Is that good? Or always war in the past?

[letsrewindit]

ASEAN is a place where countries come together to reap the benefits only, not a place where countries come together to solve problems. It is not like EU, where other countries can stick their nose in their members' politics. It is not surprising that it turn out this way. We can't even solve a fucking haze problem.

[Xiaoshu]

I didn't know relationship between Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Nyanmar and Cambodia. Is that good? Or always war in the past?

Cambodia and Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand is like China and Japan. but I don't know Thai and Viet.

 

Ask for the reason : almost 1/3 of Cam land was controlled by Thai, 1/3 was controlled by Vietnam. 

[Queen's Mine]

Cambodia and Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand is like China and Japan. but I don't know Thai and Viet.

 

Ask for the reason : almost 1/3 of Cam land was controlled by Thai, 1/3 was controlled by Vietnam.

 

Ic.... So many Bad Blood there, from the map I can tell, even laos didn't have access to sea.

 

How about Laos and Cambodia?

[Xiaoshu]

 

Ic.... So many Bad Blood there, from the map I can tell, even laos didn't have access to sea.

 

How about Laos and Cambodia?

We are the poorest among ASEAN members. Since Ancient time, there is no war between these two countries. 

We share similar culture. Cam/Laos, we have oldest culture in ASEAN but end up become poorest now. 

[bzz]

I know ASEAN is willing to sacrifice poor/weak member in order to help another more powerful/richer members. It's so stupid if Cambodia has to sacrifice herself to help PHI and Viet. If China stop/reduce investment to Cam I don't think ASEAN will help this poor country. 

 

It's ok if the country isn't in the poorer situation. As the article mentioned, Cam economy highly depends on China. So it's no choice.

 

Anyway, "It's ok to become China's cheese rather than helping Vietnam" was tagged on facebook. 

Myanmar is no way in better economic situation, Indonesia isn't in very good one either, yet they better realize the value of ASEAN it seems.

 

You must be stupid if you think China is all of good will, isn't taking advantage of Cambodia.

 

 

So, your receipt is "neutral" Chinese governmental medium? So trustworthy. 

 

let see if China stop all trade and investments to Vietnam and Philippine, who suffer the most.

 

Lol where are u from? Thailand hmmm.... How come Thailand person can understand how it feel about USA colonization in PH and Vietnam war?

 

Vietnam War casualties is more than 3.000.000 People, so it means nothing to you?

 

If USA so that good, why PH claim independence from USA in 1946?

 

Go study first Idi*t

Vietnam's economy is more reliant on South Korea. Its political and economical relationship with China has been deteriorated for some years.

 

And, who are you to say my assumption was wrong? are you Pinoy or Viet? if I recall correctly, the independence declaration of PH was peaceful.

 

Majority of 300,000 casualties must fall on USA's side. It was not simply USA vs. Vietnam war too, but USA + South Vietnam vs. North Vietnam war.