ABSTRACT
The chapter presents the historical basis for a relatively unified The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) position over the South China Sea during the 1990s. It then examines the various factors that led to a deterioration of ASEAN solidarity by the time of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Beijing's provision of financial support to some communist insurgencies in Southeast Asia, together with some substantial episodes of violence against various ethnic Chinese communities, further compounded this mutual distrust. It was not only weary of ASEAN's collective diplomacy over the South China Sea, but also of progress in other areas. Beijing's success in managing its relations with some key ASEAN members has resulted in two interdependent costs. The success by which Beijing has driven a wedge between the ASEAN members has compelled Vietnam and the Philippines to strengthen their relations with the US and other countries such as Japan.
