For peace on the sea

The agreement reached on Wednesday between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the South China Sea bears out the political will and wisdom of Asian countries to solve their disputes peacefully.

It also quelled concerns that China and some ASEAN members, involved in maritime territorial disputes, would clash further when the regional organization and its partners convened a series of meetings in Bali, Indonesia, this week.

Recent flare-ups over the issue have strained ties between China and some claimant countries, suggesting a gloomy future for the stability of the waters. What has been agreed upon in Bali indicates the countries involved are determined to keep their differences at bay and shore up peace and cooperation.