Restraint to avoid escalation key principle in South China Sea: former Indonesia diplomat

Editor's Note:

Dialogue is always important in this very challenging world, and the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum (BXF) plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue, which is fundamental for building understanding and mutual trust, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, former permanent representative of Indonesia to the UN, and Executive Director of ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, told Global Times reporters Li Aixi, Guo Yuandan and Zhang Yashu during the event. "Talking when we sit together, communicate, and listen to each other is the way to reduce tension," Pujia said. 

GT: What are your observations of this forum, ranging from its theme "promoting peace for a shared future" to the discussions?

Puja: For me, understanding this theme is quite straightforward because at the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation our focus is on peace. We conduct extensive research and capacity-building activities to share the spirit of peace. In the future, we hope to contribute to establishing a culture of peace in our region, particularly in Southeast Asia. We believe that peace is essential for bringing prosperity to our people and enhancing their well-being, as conflict cannot achieve these goals.

From my observations, this forum plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue, which is fundamental for building understanding and mutual trust. Dialogue and mutual understanding are, I believe, the essence of peace. From what I observed, the communication at this forum has been very positive, creating a vibrant and creative atmosphere. During this forum, discussions are very open, which is crucial for ensuring that no aspect is overlooked. Dialogue is always important in this very challenging world. 

From Chinese speakers, I sensed how China is trying to contribute to peace, not just between China and its neighboring countries but globally. Specifically, I am impressed by China's diplomatic achievements, such as the negotiation and peace agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which I believe is a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

Our relationship between China and ASEAN has been established for over 30 years. It is crucial to nurture this long-standing bond, trust, and mutual confidence to further benefit both sides. There is no doubt that ASEAN and China have developed trust in each other. With this trust and confidence, we can work together to build a more stable and secure region, focusing on enhancing prosperity, stability, and welfare for our people.

GT: It is clearly sensed at the forum that observers are concerned about tensions in the South China Sea. The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea stipulates that parties should refrain from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner. Based on that, what's your take on the Philippines' move to illegally strand its vessel at the Xianbin Jiao (Sabina Shoal)?

Puja: I will not comment on that. But what I can share is that the spirit of the declaration should serve as a reference for future activities in the absence of further negotiations or agreements on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, which ASEAN and China are currently pursuing. The key principles are the non-use of violence and restraint from activities that could escalate tensions. It is crucial to explore collaboration and cooperation to reduce tensions and prevent hostilities. This is important for creating an environment conducive to the next level of negotiations on the COC.

GT: There have been reports that China and ASEAN are working to finalize the Code of Conduct by next year. What's your comment on this?

Puja: It depends. If the situation on the ground is not conducive, it's hard to build trust and confidence in the negotiations for the COC. However, looking at the other side of the coin, the deteriorating situation could serve as a reminder of the necessity to finalize the negotiations and the COC sooner rather than later.

GT: China has consistently advocated for both sides to return to the negotiating table. Do you think this is the best way to resolve the dispute?

Puja: As I said, talking when we sit together, communicate, and listen to each other is the way to reduce tension. Hopefully, this can also build trust and confidence among the concerned parties. Cultivating a culture of dialogue and communication is key to peacefully resolving conflicts. 

We should continue listening, communicating, and maintaining dialogue in a healthy and trustworthy manner - I believe that honest communication and dialogue will ultimately prevail in creating common goals for the COC in the future.

GT: Be it in South China Sea tension or major power games, how can ASEAN play a bridging role in facilitating some degree of strategic opportunities and strategic accommodation?

Puja: ASEAN can play a role as a bridge and, at the same time, as an honest broker in this respect. If ASEAN can fulfill this role effectively and gain more trust, whether as a region or as individual member states, it will enhance ASEAN's leverage in dealing with dialogue partners.