Water Wars: Looming Arbitration Decision Tests Regional Partnerships

Apr 29, 2016 | Chris Mirasola
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China embarked on a sustained charm offensive this week to rally countries around its interests in the South China Sea. On Sunday, PRC Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced a “four point consensus” with Brunei, Cambodia, and Laos on disputes in the South China Sea. Minister Yi said that they agreed that states have the right to choose “their own ways to solve disputes” under international law without having an agenda unilaterally imposed on them. His statement also called on states outside the region to “play a constructive role” in resolving disputes.