With tensions mounting in the South China Sea, analysts believe that individual countries will not publicly quarrel with China for fear of affecting trade and investment ties, especially amid an economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.  Joseph Liow Chin Yong, who is an expert on Asia-Pacific geopolitics at Singapore’s NTU, said the preference of Asean states was to engage in behind-the-scenes diplomacy, which allowed them to defend their integrity without burning any bridges with Beijing.