ASEAN Unity Key to Resolve South China Sea Dispute

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The unity of ASEAN member countries is crucial to resolving the territorial dispute among various countries surrounding the South China Sea, according to an international relations observer from the University of Indonesia, Hariyadi Wirawan.

"ASEAN needs to stand united on the South China Sea issue. The organization must show that it aims to achieve stability in the region and that claimant countries must find common ground in order to resolve the dispute," he said here on Wednesday.

As reported earlier, four ASEAN countries-Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam and the Philippines-are in dispute with China over the possession of some territories in the South China Sea.

"Within ASEAN itself, there are two sides. On one side are those who support a bilateral approach to resolving the South China Sea dispute, while on the other side there are those who want a multinational approach," Hariyadi pointed out.

He said the best way to resolve the dispute was through peaceful dialogue. "Military approach or threat is not going to work," Hariyadi added.

Earlier, Indonesian Foreign ministry spokesman Michael Tene said: "Indonesia expects the claimant states to accelerate diplomatic discussions by preparing a Code of Conduct (CoC) on South China Sea dispute".(IGT)