Effective dispute resolution between affected countries will provide a strong reason to reject US involvement in the South China Sea: Thai ex-diplomat

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

Editor’s note:

The escalation of recent tensions between China and the Philippines is sparking concern among neighboring countries in the South China Sea. How will the US-instigated and supported Philippine provocations affect the situation in the South China Sea? Why does ASEAN hope the situation will be contained?

In the “ASEAN Perspective on the South China Sea” series, we collect wisdom and insights from former diplomats and scholars from ASEAN member countries. Sorajak Kasemsuvan (Kasemsuvan), Council Member of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council in Thailand and former Vice Foreign Minister of Thailand, told Global Times (GT) Reporters Yu Jincui, Qian Jiayin, and Second, we can show external parties that we are managing our oceans amicably and demand that they not interfere. Given ongoing tensions in the South China Sea region, “ASEAN can ensure that the code of conduct is adopted as soon as possible,” he said.

Sorajak Kasemsuvan, Council Member of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council in Thailand Photo:GMCOG

GT: What do you think would be an effective way to solve the problem in the South China Sea?

Kasemsuvan: Dialogue is truly a crucial way to resolve disputes. Article 74 and Article 83 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) clearly state that boundary demarcations must be resolved through negotiations between the parties and not by any other means. As negotiations begin, there may be tentative agreements that allow both parties to work together while their respective entitlements remain unchanged. You should not expand your claims or allow the other party to undermine your claims. Therefore, negotiation and dialogue are the best approaches. However, negotiations and dialogue will not take place without a willingness to engage. Therefore, the political will and consent of both parties are crucial.

Maritime disputes exist everywhere, not just in the South China Sea. They are found in Thailand, Cambodia and other regions of the world. We are faced with numerous maritime disputes; Some have been solved, but most remain unresolved. Maritime disputes are arguably more difficult than land disputes. Therefore, I am personally not optimistic about a complete and final resolution of the South China Sea disputes. However, we must ensure that all affected parties communicate with each other, maintain dialogue and continue to engage in discussions.

Our goal should be to transform this dialogue into cooperative or functional collaboration on shared resources, biodiversity and environmental concerns. This includes exploration of marine resources such as gas and living resources. If we can engage in such cooperation and avoid using armed forces or naval vessels against each other, we can show external parties that we are managing our seas amicably and demand that they not interfere.

If we succeed, it would be significant progress. We have been discussing these issues for decades, but cooperative action remains limited. We need more effective cooperation between China and the Philippines, China and Vietnam, and China and Malaysia.

GT: Some experts have highlighted the influence of the US factor. How has US intervention affected the South China Sea problem?

Kasemsuvan: You can’t stop them. It is not possible to prevent all US involvement, but you can demonstrate that we are taking control of the situation ourselves and that freedom of navigation is preserved. Furthermore, we must reiterate that this is our business and does not endanger regional security. As long as we can make this argument effectively, I believe we have a valid reason to tell the US why it shouldn’t interfere in our affairs.

GT: The Philippines has worked with the US to provoke conflict in the South China Sea. How will this affect ASEAN? Is there a possibility that ASEAN’s stance, including its neutrality policy, will be influenced by the Philippines?

Kasemsuvan: ASEAN will not interfere in the internal affairs of its member countries. It cannot tell Filipinos what they should or should not do. What ASEAN can do, however, is ensure that the Code of Conduct (COC) is adopted as soon as possible. We envision the COC as a framework for a peaceful, prosperous and friendly life in the South China Sea. Therefore, ASEAN’s role in working closely with China is crucial to enable this conclusion.

GT: We see China being portrayed by the Philippines and some Western media as a “bully” in the South China Sea. What can be done to present the situation more fairly?

Kasemsuvan: Only bad news seems to make the headlines. Media companies often prioritize negative stories because they sell better. That’s why it’s important for us to also spread positive news. China, in particular, needs to demonstrate its efforts to improve the marine environment and address various issues in the region. China, for example, has pushed forward the “blue economy” policy. How many of you have heard of this? There are indeed positive initiatives that China is taking in the South China Sea, but they have not received sufficient attention regionally or internationally. These efforts need to be promoted more effectively to counteract the negative narratives.

GT: As competition between China and the US intensifies, Southeast Asia is increasingly becoming the focal point of US rivalry with China. Do you think the US can persuade Thailand and other ASEAN countries to stand aside against China?

Kasemsuvan: We maintain friendships with both sides. ASEAN as a whole cannot take sides, but individual countries can lean to one side or the other because of their close relationships. For example, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has strong ties to the United States, which could influence his stance. Ultimately, it depends on each country’s government and its current leadership, which may be more aligned with one side or the other. However, ASEAN itself aims to remain neutral.

There is a deep ethnic connection in China-Thailand relations; A significant portion of the Thai population has Chinese ancestry, whose roots go back many generations. This shared heritage fosters strong bonds between the two nations. Many aspects of Thai culture, including food and language, reflect this context. For example, some Thais speak dialects influenced by Cantonese.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. Over the past nearly 50 years, these relationships have strengthened, and I believe that China-Thailand relations will continue to grow closer.