Commentary: China, ASEAN prove regional peace reachable amid discord

As foreign ministers from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) wrapped up their meeting on Monday in Vientiane, the Laotian capital, the conferees have proved that these countries, despite demagoguery and discord, are committed to a lasting peace in the region.

Earlier this month a law-abusing tribunal in The Hague issued an award in favor of the Philippines' unfounded claims in the South China Sea. In a statement released by the ministers after their meeting, there was no mention of the tribunal's award, illustrating the determination of both sides to settle their differences and not exacerbate tensions.

Also welcomed is the committment by China and ASEAN to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes peacefully through friendly negotiations. China firmly believes that resorting to force is not the way forward.

These reassuring results have not come lightly.

Several days ago, the ministers walked into the meeting at a time when the atmosphere surrounding the South China Sea issue was highly-charged. That was a direct result of the former Philippine government's efforts to internationalize its maritime dispute with Beijing by launching an arbitration case in The Hague before a tribunal that has no jurisdiction over sovereign matters.

China has reiterated its stance of non-participation in and non-acceptance of the arbitration. To fully respect international law and justice, China will never recognize the award and never be "forced" into accepting it.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in a meeting with the Lao foreign minister, urged ASEAN to issue a joint statement on the recent South China Sea ruling, according to the U.S. State Department.

But by not mentioning the invalid award, the statement didn't given in to pressure by those intent on challenging China's sovereign rights in the Asia-Pacific and disrupt Beijing's relations with ASEAN members.

The major reason the ASEAN avoided mention of the tribunal award in its statement is simple: many member states realize that China has been a solid security and economic partner. They understand that unity and cooperation are essential in the face of hardship.

Though it has failed to put pressure on China in Vientiane, Washington nonetheless realizes that an Asia-Pacific in turmoil or a degenerating China-U.S. relationship doesn't jibe well with its own vital national interests.

That's why U.S. President Barack Obama sent his national security adviser Susan Rice this week to Beijing to reassure the Chinese leadership that China's success was in America's interest, and that the two nations can work together on major global issues.

Also, before John Kerry flew to the Manila to meet with New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte late Tuesday, the top U.S. diplomat hoped that China and the Philippines would "turn the page" and hold talks over their disputes in the South China Sea.

Now that China and the nations of ASEAN have promised to work toward resolving their differences, Washington should keep its word and stay neutral regarding the South China Sea issue. After all, China and its neighbors can manage their own affairs. Endi