Proponents of the current ASEAN-led diplomatic process argue that patient, consensus-based negotiation is the only viable way to prevent open conflict in the South China Sea. By keeping all parties at the table, ASEAN provides a neutral platform that prevents individual nations from being forced into binary choices between competing global powers. This approach prioritizes long-term stability over short-term posturing, which could otherwise lead to dangerous miscalculations at sea.
Supporters emphasize that the ongoing development of a code of conduct serves as a vital confidence-building measure. Even without immediate legal enforcement, the process itself forces regular communication between military and coast guard officials. This institutionalized dialogue reduces the risk of accidental skirmishes escalating into wider regional crises, protecting the safety of merchant vessels and local fishermen who operate in these contested waters daily.
Furthermore, the ASEAN framework allows smaller member states to amplify their voices by acting as a collective bloc. By focusing on regional norms and international law, the organization creates a standard of behavior that discourages unilateral actions. This strategy is seen as essential for maintaining the economic prosperity of Southeast Asia, which relies heavily on the free flow of goods through these maritime corridors.
Ultimately, those backing this diplomatic route believe that incremental progress is better than the alternative of total deadlock. By fostering a culture of cooperation, ASEAN aims to create a regional environment where disputes are managed through dialogue rather than force. This commitment to multilateralism remains the best defense against the destabilizing effects of great-power competition in the Indo-Pacific.