South China Sea issue becomes hotter

Asean is quick to issue statements on matters in other countries, but cannot agree to address an issue in its own backyard.

AFTER an international arbitral tribunal at the Hague ruled that China has no historic rights claim to resources within the South China Sea on Tuesday, Laos, which is Asean chair this year, sent out a note to Asean members asking whether they should issue an Asean statement on the ruling.