Cause for arbitration

epa05343304 A handout picture made available on 03 June 2016 by Davao City Mayors Office shows Filipino President-elect Rodrigo Duterte (R) talking to Chinese envoy Zhang Jianhua (L) during a meeting in Davao City, southern Philippines, 02 June 2016. According to statement issued by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, he would not surrender the countrys rights over the disputed island in the South China Sea, which China seized in 2012. Tension between China and the Philippines about overlapping territory and sovereignty claims has risen in recent months. China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan all claim sovereignty over several islands and reefs in the South China Sea. EPA/KING RODRIGUEZ/DAVAO CITY MAYORS OFFICE/HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

THE Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia has written a well-argued commentary on developments in the South China Sea, “The way of amicable consultations” (The Star, June 13). I wish to lay out certain views on this matter to give readers a balanced and informed perspective.

Negotiations and consultations between parties directly involved is usually the best way to resolve issues, as the ambassador rightly points out. This is true for individuals, companies and countries as well. For the longest time, this has been the approach pursued by the Philippines and Asean, and China too, with respect to differences in the South China Sea (SCS).