South China Sea Dispute

The recent tension in the China-US relationship over the $6-billion arms sale to Taiwan, or the meeting between the US President Barack Obama and Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in spite of China's protest, are clear signs, which indicate that competitive aspects in the relationship between the two "ogres" are gaining ascendancy.

However, Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) should never use this card to solve existing problems such as the outstanding disputes in the South China Sea because it is a double bladed sword that could ultimately divide ASEAN member countries.

Effective Measures
To solve its own problems, typically the disputes in the South China Sea, the most effective measures, which ASEAN can employ in correlation with the US-China relations would include two essential points.

However, ASEAN should reinforce and strengthen its solidarity to promote the internal strength of the "whole bunch of chopsticks" as compared to each separate chopstick, both in dialogues and negotiations with the "ogres." The fact that ASEAN countries have ratified the ASEAN Charter is a good indication of confirming the hope to build a strong community of countries in the bloc.

Recent actions of member countries such as enhancing military strength through weapons procurement contracts and obtaining new materials and equipment even though are necessary, it should not be viewed as the main strategy for their external relations. The internal balance of power policy needs to be coordinated closely with a policy that draws and engages big countries in order to establish and protect the balance of power in the region.

Establishing Institutions, Legal Frameworks
Moreover, and perhaps more importantly, ASEAN should continue to establish institutions, legal frameworks with binding rules to identify and encourage the participation of "players" to reduce the possibility of uncontrollable conflicts. One of the hot spots that are causing concerns is the disputes in the South China Sea, which needs to be "managed" by a legal document that can bind more strongly than the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

In addition, another strategy that plays an important role in ASEAN engagement policy with the United States and China is to strengthen trade relations with investments in both countries. Trade and investments will be the connection line to link countries, and is the key factor to "pull back" the eager powers because all countries will pay the price if conflicts were to occur.
US-China Ties
The US-China relationship is indeed entering a challenging period, particularly when the international context is witnessing a relative "transfer of power" between these two power centers. As a regional organization in Southeast Asia, ASEAN can ultimately play the role in creating the playing field, influencing the game rules as well as encouraging "players" to participate.

Instead of taking advantage on the competition between China and the United States to serve short-term benefits, ASEAN will benefit much more in the terms of security, politics, trade, and investment, if it can promote unity and maximize the role as an "intermediary" between the two giants of the 21st century.