Integration of ASEAN Way Principles in Negotiations for The ASEAN-China Code of Conduct for Creating Stability of The Southeast Asia Region

Abstract

Since the early 21st century, ASEAN and China have been entangled in a conflict over the Nine Dash Line, claiming Southeast Asian territory in the South China Sea. Negotiations, culminating in the 2002 DoC agreement, aimed to peacefully address the conflict and discuss the CoC. This study uses a juridical-normative approach to determine the potentiality of the ASEAN Way principles integration strategy in resolving the conflict. This study finds ASEAN unity is seen as a key solution to strengthen the standing of Southeast Asian countries in countering China's dominance in the region. With the ASEAN Way. ASEAN, guided by the ASEAN Way, seeks peaceful resolution in South China Sea conflicts. The 1992 Declaration and 2022 ASEAN-China DoC lack clear sovereign boundaries. Unified ASEAN support in ongoing CoC discussions is crucial for resolution. China's NDL claim jeopardizes ASEAN's sovereignty, demanding collective efforts, especially during Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN chairmanship, for legal resolution and conflict prevention.