Hey everyone! 🌏 In a world that’s always on the go, a lot can happen when voices come together. At the recent ASEAN annual meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made it clear that lasting peace in the South China Sea isn’t about conflict—it’s all about dialogue. He pointed out that the 2016 arbitration award has not only disrupted regional stability but also the maritime order.
Wang Yi emphasized that the arbitration, triggered unilaterally without a proper exchange of views, has damaged the mutual understanding between countries. Experts like Carlos Arguello Gomez remind us that any dispute needs a mechanism agreed upon by all parties—forcing one side just won’t cut it. Meanwhile, voices such as Wu Shicun have described the award as a "typical troublemaker," adding that the situation has only grown more volatile over time.
Scholars including Lei Xiaolu and British expert Anthony Carty have questioned the legal basis of the tribunal’s ruling, arguing that overstepping jurisdiction only sows more discord. The call for dialogue is growing louder, with figures like professor Ruhanas Harun and Rommel Banlaoi advocating for negotiations and a return to cooperative mechanisms. Their message is clear: viewing each other as friends and partners can pave a way for a stronger, more secure Southeast Asian future.
For young professionals and tech-savvy minds tuning in from South and Southeast Asia, this is a reminder that even in complex international issues, a little conversation goes a long way. Let’s build bridges and foster a future of peace, stability, and mutual respect—one dialogue at a time! 😊
Reference(s):
Analysis: Why is dialogue only way forward for South China Sea peace?
cgtn.com
