Lauro L. BajaAt the Asean foreign ministers retreat held recently in Bagan, Myanmar, the ministers urged all parties to resolve disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, called for continued self restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea, undertake full and effective implementation of the DOC, reaffirmed Asean’s Six-Point Principles in the SCS and emphasized the need to expeditiously work early conclusion of the code of conduct in the SCS.

The statement reflects Asean’s perfunctory issuance of old and general statements designed to satisfy every participant, avoid offending anybody and cover differences, impasse and even failure. The talks are often mistaken for action and achievement and life goes on until the next meeting. Lip service has gradually been accepted as the new structure of diplomacy, but the process goes nowhere.

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