ASEAN countries' national flags are shown at the venue of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Langkawi Island, Malaysia, on January 17, 2025. Photo: VCG

Editor's Note:

The year 2025 has begun, yet the South China Sea still remains turbulent. The Philippines and the US carried out joint maritime exercises last week in the waters. While keeping creating waves, the Manila Times highlighted flaws in polls backing the Philippines' aggressive stance on China, arguing they misrepresent public opinion. How does ASEAN perceive the situation in the South China Sea? In an interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Su Yaxuan, Humprey Arnaldo Russel (Russel), director of the China Research Center in the Institute for Strategy and Global Studies at the University of Indonesia, shared his views. 

GT: What do you think is the root cause of the current unrest in the South China Sea?

Russel: I think external powers have made this a much bigger issue for us. We must be cautious. We need to ensure that external factors or other Asian countries do not become proxies for foreign powers in our region. We've seen the consequences of this in the Middle East, and we definitely don't want that situation to unfold in our region.

No matter how difficult the challenges we face, ASEAN and China must work together, as we have already signed many important agreements. We can learn from the news that when tensions arise some Filipinos criticize their government for its actions toward China, and some even say that the Western forces are the true aggressor. 

GT: What do you think is the most effective solution to the South China Sea issue?

Russel: Direct dialogue is the most effective solution. I hope both parties can remain calm. For ASEAN, we must maintain unity, as our cohesiveness is at risk. If the Philippines seeks support outside ASEAN, it could escalate the situation. We've already agreed on the principles of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), and we are working with China to finalize it, with the goal of achieving a peaceful resolution. We have been actively exploring solutions. I hope all parties stay calm and return to dialogue.

China has made efforts with the Philippines about this complicated situation. All parties involved share common goals: We all want peace and have expressed a desire to resolve this issue peacefully. From my perspective, the only effective solution for both ASEAN and the Philippines is to return to the negotiating table with China and work through the issues diplomatically.

GT: Rising tensions in the South China Sea are clearly contrary to ASEAN principles. How does ASEAN view the Philippines' attitude on the situation in the South China Sea? Will ASEAN's position on this matter be affected?

Russel: In my view, while it is the Philippines' right to take certain actions concerning its own interests, we must also keep in mind the broader context of our agreements within ASEAN. We cannot overlook the importance of adhering to international law in handling such sensitive issues. It is crucial that we, ASEAN, stay committed to the agreements we have made together. I firmly believe that the Philippines' actions will not alter ASEAN's collective stance on the South China Sea issue. In fact, this situation further emphasizes the need for ASEAN to remain united, as our strength lies in our unity.

ASEAN is a family. When a family faces a problem, it is unwise for one member to turn to external parties for "help." ASEAN, as a unity, is bound by shared values such as harmony, non-interference and the commitment to finding peaceful solutions to problems. These core values will not change because of any single member's actions. Therefore, it would be far more beneficial for the Philippines to engage directly with China, as this is where the solution lies. Dialogue and negotiation between the two sides are the only paths to a peaceful resolution. Relying on external powers, however, will only divert us from our primary goal and further weaken our position.

GT: You previously mentioned that peace is very important for the development of Southeast Asia. What should China and ASEAN do on the South China Sea issue to ensure peace and security in the region?

Russel: The South China Sea is a regional issue that concerns the security of the entire region. The priority now is to finalize the COC, which we are in the process of completing. The second reading has been completed and the third reading has commenced, and now we are moving toward the treaty reading phase.

I firmly believe that the people of ASEAN are aware of the individual issues we each have with China, but we also share a common belief: that both our peoples and the Chinese people all desire peace. We all want to resolve the South China Sea issue in a peaceful manner. Personally, I remember how, during times of crisis, China has extended help to certain countries. This history of cooperation reinforces our commitment to finding peaceful solutions, and it highlights the importance of dialogue in resolving regional conflicts.

GT: Recently, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Navy conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity. Since ASEAN countries are striving to increase their autonomy in regional cooperation, how should ASEAN countries respond to the intervention of external powers and the uncertainty of the regional situation?

Russel: We must urge external powers and their allies to respect our sovereignty and the commitments we have made. These external powers should pledge to principles of non-interference, mutual cooperation and respect. However, the future policies of the West, especially, remain uncertain.

We will engage in constructive dialogue with China as part of our Asian family. We share fundamental values, including harmony, cooperation, dialogue and the commitment to resolving challenges peacefully.

Looking ahead, the future of our region does not belong to the West - it is the shared future of China and ASEAN. What truly matters is the next generation. It is our responsibility to ensure that the situation remains sustainable, fostering peace and stability for future generations. I believe the relationship between China and ASEAN will guide us toward a better future.