China and ASEAN Cooperation, Presenting an Alternative Peace Model to the World
- CAobservation
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
In this interview, Rommel C. Banlaoi, President of the Philippine Society for International Security Studies, shares his views on ASEAN’s role in the South China Sea disputes, the peace model shaped by China-ASEAN cooperation, external influences. He noted, the cooperation between China and ASEAN provide an alternative peace model for the world.
What role should ASEAN play in the South China Sea disputes?
Rommel C. Banlaoi: In 2002, there was a breakthrough when China and ASEAN adopted a multilateral approach to peacefully manage the South China Sea disputes. This approach helped to ease the security situation in the region. As a result, China and ASEAN decided to cooperate in five key areas: marine environmental research, marine environmental protection, search and rescue operations, freedom of navigation at sea, and combating transnational crimes, including international terrorism. These areas are central to promoting peace and stability in the South China Sea, which played as a gamechanger in the South China Sea. The 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea has laid the foundation for the ongoing negotiations concerning the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
How does China-ASEAN cooperation in the South China Sea influence regional dynamics?
Rommel C. Banlaoi: The cooperation between China and ASEAN in the South China Sea is presenting an alternative peace model to the world. After the end of the Second World War, the United States proposed Pax Americana as a model of peace. However, Pax Americana no longer meets the current needs of the international community. In contrast, the cooperation between China and ASEAN offers another model of peace, which I term Pax Aseana-Sinica, or the ASEAN way with Chinese characteristics. This approach is based on China’s principles of peace, amity, and cooperation in Southeast Asia, and it aligns with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. By combining the principles of ASEAN and China, this cooperation can provide an alternative peace model for the world.
What innovative forms of cooperation can China and ASEAN explore on the South China Sea issue?
Rommel C. Banlaoi: There are many areas in which China and ASEAN can cooperate. Currently, they are working together on non-traditional security issues, such as combating the effects of climate change, disaster management, and transnational crimes. Furthermore, China and ASEAN have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, aiming for common development and prosperity. China and ASEAN are collaborating closely to combat poverty, with China’s successful poverty alleviation program lifting 800 million people out of poverty. This achievement benefits not only China but also humanity as a whole, and ASEAN countries can learn much from China’s experience.
The cooperation between China and ASEAN extends to various sectors, including infrastructure development. For instance, China and Indonesia have launched a high-speed rail project connecting Jakarta and Bandung. Similarly, China’s partnerships with Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar have led to multiple infrastructure projects.These initiatives contribute to the shared goal of regional prosperity.
However, the Philippines remains an exception. Its focus on the South China Sea dispute has hindered cooperation with China. Despite the Philippines and China signing 14 projects under the Belt and Road Initiative in January 2023, the Philippine government later canceled these projects due to external pressures, particularly from the United States. This has limited the potential for greater bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, which is the sad situation that we find ourselves.
Are you worried that the South China Sea issue may be influenced by external forces?
Rommel C. Banlaoi: Yes. The United States is clearly using the South China Sea disputes to justify its military presence in Asia. The involvement of external countries is disrupting the peaceful resolution of the disputes. Moreover, their continued involvement, particularly in building the defense capacity of the Philippines, is contributing to the militarization of the South China Sea dispute.
During the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine government made attempts to distance itself from the United States and pursue an independent foreign policy. Duterte announced his intention to separate from U.S. influence and focus on strengthening ties with China. He even decided to set aside the arbitration ruling in favor of cooperation with China.
Under Duterte’s leadership, bilateral relations between the Philippines and China flourished, marking a golden period in their diplomatic history. This was considered the best time of Philippines-China relations.
Unfortunately, the current government, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has shifted towards an excessive pro-American foreign policy. This “Americanized” approach contrasts with the ASEAN way that is acceptable to China, which complicating the peaceful resolution of conflict in the South China Sea.
How would you suggest improving the relationship between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea?
Rommel C. Banlaoi: The first step for the Philippines and China is to rebuild confidence. They need to resume dialogue in order to build mutual trust. Establishing trust is crucial for promoting cooperation between the two countries. Once trust is established, they can start again talks for cooperation. This would be an essential step.
In the next decade, will the South China Sea head toward cooperation, rivalry, or fragmentation?
Rommel C. Banlaoi: In my view, the way forward in the South China Sea is cooperation. This cooperation will be based on pragmatic and functional approaches. Both China and ASEAN share the goal of making the South China Sea a sea of friendship, peace, and cooperation. However, external interference, particularly from the United States, continues to present a major obstacle. If China and the United States can resolve their differences, it will help facilitate the peaceful management of the conflict in the South China Sea.
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