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—Southeast Asian nations should set aside differences and speak in one voice against China’s aggression in South China Sea to protect their interests and preserve regional stability, according to Japanese political experts.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)— a 10-member regional bloc which includes the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand— remained at odds on how to respond to China’s territorial claims in the disputed waters.
“China can be pressured into thinking that they need to be careful when they deal with Southeast Asian nations if you cooperate, if you unite, if you get your voices together,” said Akio Takahara, a Graduate School for Law and Politics professor at the University of Tokyo who specializes in Chinese politics and diplomacy.
The Inquirer recently sat down with Japanese political experts as part of a program on Japan’s security situation in East Asia upon the invitation of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
