Problems can be solved using the wisdom of the East

U.S. President Barack Obama participates in the East Asia Summit Plenary Session in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, November 20, 2012. President Obama is the first U.S. President to visit Cambodia. [State Department photo by William Ng/ Public Domain]

Updated: 26 November, 2012

chinadaily.com.cn

Translated from People’s DailyBy Li Yang

Meetings of regional leaders, which recently ended in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, were held to promote cooperation.

But some countries used this as a chance to talk about the South China Sea issue, which was further sensationalized by some Western media.

The outcome of the meetings indicate there is still a consensus among most countries that shelving disputes, and promoting cooperation are in line with the interests of all countries in the region.

The integration of the economic community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is speeding up. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiations were launched along with free-trade agreement talks between China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Disputes should not get in the way of regional cooperation, with many countries benefiting from the deepening cooperation in the region.

No regional countries collapsed in the 2008 international financial crisis. This crisis largely originated in the West, not the East, with the strong resistance to it seen in East Asia lying in the deepening cooperation among countries in the region.

Although some countries in East Asia still rely on Western markets, people should see clearly that the future prosperity of Asia does not rest with any foreign powers but with the internal cooperation of the region.

Reaching agreement through dialogue and caring for others’ concerns demonstrate the civilization of the East. Past experience also suggests these are also the most effective ways in which to foster regional cooperation.

Consolidating and developing existing cooperation mechanisms entail constant broadening of cooperation areas and solving differences and conflicts properly.

ASEAN should keep a tight grip on cooperation, deal with all kinds of disturbances in an Eastern manner and avoid giving some countries the chance of using the South China Sea issue to split the region.

This issue can only, and must be, solved through bilateral talks between China and the relevant countries.

China’s stance on the South China Sea problem is explicit and constant. China is dedicated to maintaining peace and stability of the South China Sea, and signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea with ASEAN 10 years ago.

This hard-won consensus should be abided with and valued. Huangyan Island is China’s inherent sovereign land and there is no dispute over its sovereign rights. China’s actions to defend its sovereignty are right and necessary.

China has made a significant contribution to promoting regional cooperation in East Asia and is willing to share the dividends of its own peaceful development.