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#TalkThursday: ASEAN, China and the US

Rappler.com

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#TalkThursday: ASEAN, China and the US
Where are rising tensions between ASEAN and China headed? Is US intervention making things worse?

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler talked to Curtis Chin, former US ambassador to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the state of relations between China, the United States, and the rest of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

A series of incidents between Beijing and rival claimants to the contested waters of the South China Sea has sent regional tensions soaring, prompting Washington to call for an end to all “provocative” acts that could worsen regional maritime relations. Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, putting it at odds with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam.

The dispute dominated ASEAN talks in Myanmar, which began Friday, August 8, and ended on Sunday, August 10. On Saturday, August 9, China vowed “clear and firm reactions” to defend its interests in the South China Sea but rejected suggestions of aggression. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters, “The position of China to safeguard its own sovereignty, maritime rights and interests is firm and unshakeable.” (READ: Sea row overshadows China, ASEAN, US talks)

Following several tense encounters in the contested South China Sea this year, US Secretary of State John Kerry is pushing for an agreement to end all acts that risk further inflaming tensions between Beijing and its Southeast Asian neighbors. But though the US attempted easing maritime tensions between Southeast Asian Nations, it said it did not want to “confront” China over its strategy in the region.

On Monday, August 11, China accused the US of deliberately stoking tensions in the South China Sea as it rejected Washington’s proposal for a freeze on provocative actions in the region. Wang said, “Some countries outside the region are restless, and stir up tensions… might their intention be to create chaos in the region?” He added, “China and ASEAN are totally able to safeguard well the peace and stability of South China Sea.” (READ: China hits out at US proposal on South China Sea)

Serving under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama as a former US ambassador to the Asian Development Bank, Chin focused on development efforts and governance for Asia’s poorest and least-developed nations. Chin is also a trustee of Community and Family Services International of the Philippines. – Rappler.com

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