South China Sea–DisputesNo Easy Solution In Sight

Again this week ongoing territorial disputes involving the South China Sea have come to the forefront. China and Viet Nam are squaring off over China’s oil drilling in territory that it considers its own. Naturally China doesn’t see it this way. The Philippines also has an ongoing dispute with China over boundaries. In all, seven states lay claim to territory in the area. These include China, Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Viet Nam. Current tensions just bring more attention to this region. The May 10-11 ASEAN summit in Myanmar will address this key issue. The question is: can a solution to this problem be found among the parties involved? Can they settle their differences in a peaceable manner or will it be necessary to get outside help, the United Nations for example. Please log in and give us your thoughts on this matter. 

Photo: SCS, Nantau, stratman2 via flickr