Recent reports of Chinese maritime authorities using force against Vietnamese fishermen near the Paracel Islands have sparked condemnation from the Philippine National Security Council. This incident in the South China Sea has led to a call for solidarity among ASEAN members in disputed waters.
While the Philippines has no claims in the Paracels, it is looking to strengthen its cooperation with Vietnam to address overlapping claims in the region. Malaysia and Indonesia are also taking a firmer stance against China’s actions in the disputed waters, with Indonesia advocating for more intraregional solidarity.
Despite ASEAN’s limitations, key Southeast Asian states are standing their ground and exploring strategic cooperation to counter China’s influence in the region. China’s economic power in ASEAN has led to closer trade ties, but its actions in the South China Sea are prompting ASEAN members to push back and assert their own interests.