Opinion | How South China Sea disputes are uniting Asean states

The Philippine National Security Council strongly condemned the violent actions of Chinese maritime authorities against Vietnamese fishermen near the Paracel Islands on September 29. As many as 40 Chinese law enforcers used force against Vietnamese fishermen in the disputed area, prompting solidarity from Manila in building a united front with fellow Asean members. Southeast Asian states like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia are holding their ground in the disputed waters and exploring closer strategic cooperation to assert Asean centrality amidst China’s growing influence in the region.

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