Peaceful South China Sea benefits all

Frictions over the South China Sea between China and some members of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have caught the world's attention. How will China and the ASEAN members solve the issue? Will they still be good friends, neighbors and partners?

In a recent interview, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan emphasized that both ASEAN and China have achieved a "sense of common urgency" and they can and will manage their differences over the South China Sea peacefully. His words represent the views of most ASEAN members.

This year is the 20th anniversary of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN. However, diplomatic relations between China and most ASEAN members stretch back much longer than 20 years, and together they have gone through trials and tribulations, built strategic partnerships and established mutually beneficial economic, political and cultural ties.