China-ASEAN exchanges go beyond the arbitration

The communiqu�� issued on Monday after the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Vientiane, Laos, shows the two sides want to work together for regional stability and prosperity.

By refraining from mentioning the recent award in the arbitration case initiated by the Philippines, the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have shown their resolve to go forward and not let its agenda be derailed, or even hijacked, by some countries out of ulterior motives.

As the communiqu�� notes, the solution to the disputes rests on efforts to "enhance mutual trust and confidence", and "exercise restraint" by avoiding actions that may complicate the situation.