Asean must stay united, firm against China’s assertiveness

Beijing has again asked those outside the South China Sea dispute not to interfere (“Beijing rebukes US, NZ for ‘interfering’ in S China Sea dispute”; Oct 12).

Does the onus then fall on the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) members involved — Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam — to settle the matter?

It remains important that Asean observes unity always.

It must not allow the next opportunity to come and go without being firm in the face of China’s assertiveness.

Though consensus was reached on the issue at its Vientiane meeting last month, it proved rather muted.

This serves to encourage China, whose unwillingness to respect Asean should have been addressed.

Despite a Hague ruling against its claims, China ignores this and presses on with reclamation and construction in the area, risking everything in its backyard, where its future and that of Asean lie.

Its disdain for countries in Asean, perhaps because they are small and can be bullied, is misguided.

It should be working to earn their respect, rather than rely on its size and power.

Meanwhile, Asean must not be weak; it must strengthen itself by working closer together as a group.

All its members must recognise this first and foremost, and how it can help them in the long run.

China must also be made aware that the world is watching and that attempts to pressure Asean or individual members will meet with disapproval.

China remains a worry for Asean and cannot be countered if there are differences within the grouping. This had impeded its final message from its Vientiane meeting.

Many see China as a formidable presence to be reckoned with in the region, especially as it continues its expansionist mode, in both economic and military terms, while showing little willingness to hold back on taking control of the South China Sea.

Asean, realising this, must act decisively and hold fast as a whole.

Getting a little help from outside cannot hurt.

It has, in some measure, reduced the intimidation, with a giant treading more carefully.