The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Leaders Summit 2016 that concluded on September 7^th 2016 ended on a somewhat awkward note when it comes to ASEAN-China relationships. Only hours prior to the scheduled meeting between ASEAN leaders and the Chinese premier Li Keqiang, Philippines dramatically unveiled photos of what appears to be Chinese warships and land reclamations ships surrounding the Scarborough Shoal and what Philippines claims to be fresh constructions at the disputed site.[1] China had previously frozen its construction on the islet after the July 12^th arbitration, while continuing to maintain that Scarborough Shoal is Chinese territory. Philippines’ unveiling seemed to steer the ASEAN summit towards confrontation by raising the South China Sea issue with the Chinese premier.

However during the actual ASEAN Summit, the organization adopted a tone that is even softer than what was agreed on during its July foreign ministers meeting, and was more in line with Chinese interests. In its official statements, ASEAN dropped its call for “respect of international law and court rulings” but instead called for “peaceful consultations and negotiations between sovereign states”.[2] The summit also tried to steer clear of the dispute, with no mention of the July arbitration decision by ASEAN leaders.

The Chinese foreign ministry denied that China has resumed building at the Scarborough Shoal.[3] Perhaps surprisingly, China was unexpectedly helped the United States. Some American officials questioned the Philippines’ charge that China is again expanding the Scarborough Shoals, claiming that American intelligence did not report higher than normal Chinese activities compared to the previous months.[4]

Meanwhile the Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte tried to distance himself from the photo reveal. Duterte seemingly praised China for helping him with combating the Philippines’ drug problem and supporting his massive and controversial anti-drug campaign.[5] Duterte also claimed that the photo reveal, only hours before the meeting, was not a deliberate move to embarrass the Chinese delegation. Duterte’s statement however contradicts that of his spokesman, who claimed that the move was deliberate.[6] This contradictory behavior could be indication that there is a lack of communication or conflict between Duterte and his officials, and they are working towards opposite ends on this issue. It can also be that Duterte is trying to play a double game, with himself playing the role of the friendly face to China and letting his officials to play the role of the spoiler and the focal point of Chinese wrath.

Meanwhile the Chinese government news agency Xinhua claimed diplomatic victory over the issue. Xinhua claims that given no ASEAN leader raised the South China Sea issue during the meeting, China has persuaded the ASEAN leaders to support China’s point of view. Xinhua claimed that China achieved its goal of avoiding publically having to address South China Sea, with ASEAN “agreeing” to the Chinese viewpoint that such international issues should be addressed privately. It also praised the Premier Li Keqiang for “effectively responding to questions on South China Sea”.[7]

Bibliography

“Beijing’s South China Sea Claims Scrutinised at Summit.” Al Jazeera, 2016-09-07 2016.

“China under Pressure at Asean Summit over Sea Row.” Channel News Asia, 2016-09-08 2016.

“Li Ke Qiang “Yin Ling” Ben Jie Dong Ya Feng Hui, Zhong Fan Huo Zhong Da Sheng Li “. Xinhua, 2016-09-10 2016.

Yee, Tai Hui. “Little Room for Asean to Move in Maritime Dispute, Asia News & Top Stories.” The Straits Times, 2016-09-10 2016.

[1] “China under Pressure at Asean Summit over Sea Row,” Channel News Asia, 2016-09-08 2016.

[2] Tai Hui Yee, “Little Room for Asean to Move in Maritime Dispute, Asia News & Top Stories,” The Straits Times, 2016-09-10 2016.

[3] “Beijing’s South China Sea Claims Scrutinised at Summit,” Al Jazeera, 2016-09-07 2016.

[4] “China under Pressure at Asean Summit over Sea Row.”

[5] “Li Ke Qiang “Yin Ling” Ben Jie Dong Ya Feng Hui, Zhong Fan Huo Zhong Da Sheng Li “, Xinhua, 2016-09-10 2016.

[6] “China under Pressure at Asean Summit over Sea Row.”

[7] “Li Ke Qiang “Yin Ling” Ben Jie Dong Ya Feng Hui, Zhong Fan Huo Zhong Da Sheng Li “.