Publication

This paper contends that the recent South China Sea (SCS) judgment, which the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued on 12 July 2016, gives ASEAN countries a fresh opportunity to reflect on their strategy in this dispute, and possibly to undertake a new set of confidence-building measures. However, before they send a much-needed political message to China, ASEAN members need to educate themselves further on the issues that are at play here. After all, the SCS quarrel remains a litmus test for ASEAN unity and its ability to maintain regional stability and peace.