Use Economic Interests To Resolve Sea Disputes Call

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- ASEAN member states should use common economic interests to resolve the contentious South China Sea disputes, a forum concluded. The 'ASEAN Unity and Peace after the PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration) Ruling' forum, which was held recently, also concluded that it is pertinent for ASEAN to remain united in upholding peace in the South China Sea. These were among the resolutions approved at the forum, organised by Worldfuture Organisation, on the disputes in the resource-rich South China Sea. Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have overlapping claims on some of the areas while China claims almost the entire sea. "There should be a concerted ASEAN approach to the dispute as the South China Sea is our backyard and front lawn. "The South China Sea disputes can only be settled or managed if all parties express their good faith in addressing the disputes on the basis of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," the organiser said in statement Wednesday. The forum had also called for ASEAN to play a greater role on the South China Sea issue and felt that the 10-member regional grouping must act in the spirit of unity besides the rule of law. It also concluded that ASEAN countries must work together to avoid military conflict in the region, the ramifications of which will be disastrous and can erase the decades of progress in economic progress. -- BERNAMA