Illustration: Liu Rui/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? 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. Sorajak Kasemsuvan (Kasemsuvan), council member of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council in Thailand and former vice minister for foreign affairs of Thailand, told Global Times (GT) reporters Yu Jincui, Qian Jiayin and Xing Xiaojing on the sidelines of the 5th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, recently held in Sanya, Hainan Province, that if we can engage in cooperation and avoid sending military forces or naval ships against one another, we can demonstrate to external parties that we are managing our seas amicably and request that they do not interfere. Amid the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea region, "what ASEAN can do is ensure that the Code of Conduct is concluded as soon as possible," he said.

Sorajak Kasemsuvan, council member of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council in Thailand Photo:GMCOG

GT: In your view, what would be an effective way to resolve the South China Sea issue?

Kasemsuvan: Truly, dialogue is a vital way to resolve any dispute. Article 74 and Article 83 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) clearly state that delimitations must be resolved through negotiation between the parties, not by any other means. While heading into negotiations, there could be provisional arrangements for both parties to work together while their respective claims remain unchanged. You should not expand your claims, nor should you allow the other party to erode what you have claimed. Therefore, negotiation and dialogue are the best approaches. However, negotiation and dialogue will not occur without the will to engage. Thus, the political will and consent of both parties are crucial.

Maritime disputes occur everywhere, not just in the South China Sea. They occur in Thailand, Cambodia and other regions around the world. We face numerous maritime disputes; some have been resolved, but most remain unresolved. Maritime disputes are arguably more challenging than land disputes. Therefore, personally, I am not optimistic about a complete and final resolution of the disputes in the South China Sea. However, we must ensure that all concerned parties communicate with each other, maintain dialogue and remain engaged in discussions.

We should aim to transform this dialogue into cooperative or functional collaboration regarding shared resources, biodiversity and environmental concerns. This includes the exploration of ocean resources, such as gas and living resources. If we can engage in such cooperation and avoid sending military forces or naval ships against one another, we can demonstrate to external parties that we are managing our seas amicably and request that they do not interfere.

If we can achieve this, it would be a significant step forward. We have been discussing these issues for decades, yet cooperative actions remain limited. We need to see more effective cooperation between China and the Philippines, China and Vietnam, as well as China and Malaysia.

GT: Some experts have highlighted the influence of the US factor. How has US intervention affected the South China Sea issue?

Kasemsuvan: You cannot stop them. It is not feasible to prevent all US involvement, but you can demonstrate that we are managing the situation ourselves and that freedom of navigation is being upheld. For that matter, we need to assert that this is our business and does not threaten regional security. As long as we can present this argument effectively, I believe we have a valid reason to tell the US why it should not be involved in our affairs.

GT: The Philippines has been cooperating with the US to provoke conflicts in the South China Sea. How will this affect ASEAN? Is there a possibility that ASEAN's stance, including its neutrality policy, will be affected by the Philippines?

Kasemsuvan: ASEAN will not intervene in the internal affairs of its member countries. It cannot dictate to the Philippines what to do or what not to do. However, what ASEAN can do is ensure that the Code of Conduct (COC) is concluded as soon as possible. We envision the COC as a framework for us to live peacefully, prosperously and amicably in the South China Sea. Therefore, ASEAN's role is crucial in working closely with China to facilitate this conclusion.

GT: We see that China is portrayed by the Philippines and some Western media outlets as a "bully" in the South China Sea. What can be done to give a fairer representation of the situation? 

Kasemsuvan: Only bad news seems to make headlines. Media outlets often prioritize negative stories because they sell better. Therefore, it is essential for us to promote positive news as well. China, in particular, needs to showcase its efforts to improve the marine environment and address various issues in the region. For example, China has pioneered the "blue economy" policy. How many of you have heard of that? There are indeed positive initiatives that China is undertaking in the South China Sea that have not received adequate attention, both regionally and internationally. These efforts need to be promoted more effectively to counterbalance the negative narratives.

GT: As the competition between China and the US intensifies, Southeast Asia is increasingly becoming a focal point for the US in its rivalry with China. Do you think the US can rally Thailand and other ASEAN countries to stand with it against China?

Kasemsuvan: We maintain friendships with both sides. ASEAN as a whole cannot take a side, but individual countries may lean toward one or the other based on their close relationships. For example, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines has a strong connection with the US, which may influence his stance. Ultimately, it depends on the individual country's government and its current leadership, which may align more closely with one side or the other. However, ASEAN itself aims to remain neutral.

Regarding China-Thailand relations, there is a deep ethnic connection; a significant portion of the Thai population has Chinese ancestry, with roots tracing back many generations. This shared heritage fosters strong ties between the two nations. Many aspects of Thai culture, including food and language, reflect this connection. For instance, some Thai people speak dialects that are influenced by Cantonese.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Thailand diplomatic relations. Over the past nearly 50 years, these ties have strengthened, and I believe that the relationship between China and Thailand will continue to grow closer.