I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja Photo: Zhang Yashu/GT

Editor's Note:

The escalation of recent tensions between China and the Philippines raises concerns among neighboring countries in the South China Sea. How will the Philippines' provocations, instigated and supported by the US, affect the situation in the South China Sea in the rest of 2024? Why does ASEAN hope that the situation will be contained? 

In the "ASEAN Perspective on the South China Sea" series, we collect wisdom and insights from former diplomats and scholars from ASEAN member countries. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja (Puja), former permanent representative of Indonesia to the UN, and executive director of ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, told Global Times (GT) reporters Li Aixi, Guo Yuandan and Zhang Yashu that dialogue is always important in this very challenging world. 

GT: Why do you think we should advocate for "promoting peace for a shared future"?

Puja:  At the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, our focus is on peace. We conduct extensive research and capacity-building activities to share the spirit of peace. In the future, we hope to contribute to establishing a culture of peace in our region, particularly in Southeast Asia. We believe that peace is essential for bringing prosperity to our people and enhancing their well-being, as conflict cannot achieve these goals.

Dialogue and mutual understanding are, I believe, the essence of peace. Dialogue is always important in this very challenging world. 

I have sensed how China is trying to contribute to peace, not just between China and its neighboring countries but globally. Specifically, I am impressed by China's diplomatic achievements, such as the negotiation and peace agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which I believe is a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

Our relationship between China and ASEAN has been established for over 30 years. It is crucial to nurture this long-standing bond, trust, and mutual confidence to further benefit both sides. There is no doubt that ASEAN and China have developed trust in each other. With this trust and confidence, we can work together to build a more stable and secure region, focusing on enhancing prosperity, stability, and welfare for our people.

GT: The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea stipulates that parties should refrain from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner. The Philippines recently withdrew its illegally anchored vessel at China's Xianbin Jiao but vowed to send another. What's your take on the Philippines' move?

Puja:  What I can share is that the spirit of the declaration should serve as a reference for future activities in the absence of further negotiations or agreements on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, which ASEAN and China are currently pursuing. The key principles are the non-use of violence and restraint from activities that could escalate tensions. 

It is crucial to explore collaboration and cooperation to reduce tensions and prevent hostilities. This is important for creating an environment conducive to the next level of negotiations on the COC.

GT: There have been reports that China and ASEAN are working to finalize the Code of Conduct by next year. What's your comment on this?

Puja: It depends. If the situation on the ground is not conducive, it's hard to build trust and confidence in the negotiations for the COC. However, looking at the other side of the coin, the deteriorating situation could serve as a reminder of the necessity to finalize the negotiations and the COC sooner rather than later.

GT: China has consistently advocated for both sides to return to the negotiating table. Do you think this is the best way to resolve the dispute?

Puja: As I said, talking when we sit together, communicate, and listen to each other is the way to reduce tension. Hopefully, this can also build trust and confidence among the concerned parties. Cultivating a culture of dialogue and communication is key to peacefully resolving conflicts. 

We should continue listening, communicating, and maintaining dialogue in a healthy and trustworthy manner - I believe that honest communication and dialogue will ultimately prevail in creating common goals for the COC in the future.

GT: Whether in the context of tensions in the South China Sea or major power competition, how can ASEAN play a bridging role in facilitating some degree of strategic opportunities and strategic accommodation?

Puja: ASEAN can play a role as a bridge as an honest broker in this respect. If ASEAN can fulfill this role effectively and gain more trust, whether as a region or as individual member states, it will enhance ASEAN's leverage in dealing with dialogue partners.