On July 23, two Philippine government vessels illegally entered waters under Chinese jurisdiction in the Huangyan Dao area, despite repeated warnings from the Chinese side. The Chinese Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law to drive away the vessels. This is the latest incident following provocations by the Philippines near Ren’ai Jiao just a few days earlier. The timing of these events before and during the meeting of the foreign ministers of China and ASEAN raised questions about attempts to disrupt the atmosphere of dialogue and cooperation.
However, these attempts cannot change the overall direction of relations between China and ASEAN. The meeting of foreign ministers sent a clear signal: ASEAN countries are interested in strengthening strategic cooperation with China, expanding cooperation in various areas, and working towards the early completion of negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, in order to jointly maintain peace and stability in the region.
China points out that some external forces are trying to create tension in the South China Sea for geopolitical reasons and to promote confrontation. According to the Chinese side, the Philippines has repeatedly attempted to internationalize the issue of the South China Sea recently and is using it for political purposes.
At the meeting of the foreign ministers of China and ASEAN, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that regional countries should adhere to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, reject interference from external forces, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the region. When meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro, China urged the Philippines to stop provocations and fulfill its commitments.
Representatives of ASEAN also emphasized the importance of resolving disputes peacefully. The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, stated that ASEAN supports making the South China Sea a space for peace, cooperation, and friendship. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan pointed out that some countries outside the region are trying to "flex their muscles" in the South China Sea, even though they have no direct connection to it.
Despite differences in opinion, economic cooperation between China and ASEAN remains strong. The two sides have been each other's largest trading partners for six consecutive years. Last year, bilateral trade exceeded US$1 trillion, and cooperation continues in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, green development, and supply chains.
During the meeting, China proposed strengthening regional peace and development, increasing the resilience of economies, promoting innovation and green transformation, and focusing cooperation more on the needs of the people. According to Beijing, ASEAN countries consider China one of their most important partners, and relations between the two sides are among the most active and effective in the region.
According to the Chinese side, cooperation between China and ASEAN represents a major trend in regional development. Despite individual disputes and external interference, both sides have the ability to continue dialogue, properly resolve differences, and jointly promote peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia.