The Dispute Management Approach of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): What Relevance for the South China Sea Situation?

The purpose of this study is to assess the possible relevance of the dispute management approach of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the South China Sea situation. This is done by analysing the intra-ASEAN dimension as well as the foreign relations dimension from an ASEAN perspective. The first dimension is addressed by assessing the impact of the South China Sea situation on relations between the ASEAN members. Emphasis is put on the relevance of the dispute management approach of ASEAN. The foreign relations dimension focuses on the formulation of ASEAN’s common policy on the South China Sea, which relates to the intra-ASEAN dimension, and to ASEAN’s dialogue with China relating to the South China Sea as this dialogue is vital for managing the overall situation in the area.The study is concluded by an assessment of the relevance of ASEAN’s dispute management approach in the context of the South China Sea situation.