Peter Chang, researcher at the Malaysia-China Friendship Association: We have been expressing our concerns to the Philippines privately
2024-08-19
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[Global Times reporter Li Aixin] In the past one or two years, the Philippines has been constantly provoking in the South China Sea, which has led to increased tensions in the South China Sea, which has aroused concerns from other ASEAN countries. Peter TC Chang, a researcher at the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and former deputy director of the Institute of Chinese Studies at the University of Malaya, said in an interview with the Global Times recently that when the actions of a member country threaten the collective interests of ASEAN, it will become a serious concern. ASEAN people are increasingly worried that the Philippines' actions may threaten the overall security and well-being of the region.
Global Times:Tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate. What do you think is the main reason?
Peter Chang:First, the territorial disputes in the South China Sea are complex and challenging to resolve, and most of us recognize that quick solutions are not likely to be found in the short term. However, this does not mean that the South China Sea will inevitably descend into open conflict. We can accept the existence of differences and focus on areas where we can cooperate, rather than forcing solutions.
Secondly, foreign interference makes the problem more difficult. External forces see this issue as part of the geopolitical game between major powers and try to gain their own interests from it. Unfortunately, some people within ASEAN allow these external forces to take advantage of the situation. I believe that most people (in ASEAN) do not want to be involved in such a conflict.
Third, the domestic politics of ASEAN member states may also affect the situation in the South China Sea. In the past five years, Malaysia has changed several prime ministers, but our position on the South China Sea issue has remained consistent, and we have always insisted on seeking a solution through diplomatic means. In contrast, the policy changes of other neighboring countries are more significant. The situation in the Philippines shows how a change in leadership can profoundly change the direction of the issue.
Global Times:What do you think is ASEAN’s overall stance on the Philippines’ approach?
Peter Chang:ASEAN adheres to non-interference in the internal and external affairs of its members, but when a member's actions threaten the collective interest, it becomes a serious concern. There are growing concerns that the Philippines' current actions in the territorial dispute are increasing the risk of open conflict, which could destabilize the region and threaten the security and well-being of the region as a whole.
We have been privately expressing concerns to the Philippines that their approach may not be the best solution. Our goal is to seek a more constructive response. Although we are deeply concerned, we prefer to communicate these issues through private channels, private meetings, and diplomatic means rather than publicly criticizing our neighbors. Although the message has been conveyed, we are still unsure whether it will be enough to change the trajectory of events.
Global Times:The Philippines once proposed to its neighbors to formulate a separate "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea", but received no positive response. Now, Manila is strengthening military exercises and defense cooperation with countries in and outside the region. How do you view the impact of this approach on the regional situation?
Peter Chang:Malaysia and Vietnam have made it clear that we are not interested in developing a separate "code of conduct". Any lasting solution must include China and all relevant countries, and an agreement that excludes China is useless. Both Malaysia and Vietnam have expressed opposition to Manila's tactics, which may try to drive a wedge between Malaysia and China or Vietnam and China.
Normally, ASEAN countries conduct joint naval exercises to strengthen bilateral defense mechanism cooperation. However, there are concerns that the Philippines may use these bilateral exercises as a springboard to expand military operations against China, which will create divisions within ASEAN. If the members of the exercises are expanded to include major powers outside the region and are clearly aimed at China, I do not think Malaysia will be willing to participate (in such exercises).
