ASEAN has been already established for 50 years,although people didn’t expect it to be successful,it came across many challenges and now become a model for Asian integration.The South China Sea dispute is considered as a crucial trouble threatening regional security,which is becoming an obstacle of ASEAN integration.ASEAN was openly involved into the South China Sea dispute since 1992 when Manila Declaration was issued.Factors that influence members’ choices include different claims,location,domestic affairs and foreign relationships especially with China and the US.Different national interests result into divergent stances.Member states hold different attitudes towards how to negotiate with China and the effect of ASEAN’s involvement.China is in negotiating with ASEAN on COC now.However,the negotiation was in stuck since ASEAN cannot reach a common policy.ASEAN’s system has hindered the coordination process among member states,widen the difference in ASEAN.The absolute equal principle not allows ASEAN to reach any resolution without approval of every member state;loosely organized feature leads to a lack of ability to constrain members’ behaviors and provide effective information.The South China Sea dispute is different from other ASEAN internal affairs and it needs to be resolved along with China.As a relevant actor,China is not a member of ASEAN.With an observer,the SCS dispute is a chance for ASEAN to reform and change its old pattern.Under the pressure of being observed,ASEAN should make some adjustments.Selectively transferring some power,making the organization tighter,and strengthen community sense.Being a tighter organization is supposed to be the most effective way for ASEAN to fix regional challenges. |