The South China Sea issue and the arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines against China were hyped up by some international media in attempts to drive a wedge between China and its neighbors in Southeast Asia.

However, many experts from China and Southeast Asian countries believe that relations and cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has huge potential, and will not be affected by a single issue like the South China Sea.

… “There’s no doubt that dialogue, negotiation and consultation remain the best way to solve the disputes,” said Li Mingjiang of S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore Nanyang Technological University.

“Many cases and practices in international relations have proved that negotiations and consultations are more effective and pragmatic approaches,” he said.