US sticks its oar in

Much to the surprise of international media and observers, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed new guidelines on implementing the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea last week in Bali, Indonesia.

For the first time, the storm that has gathered over the South China Sea during the past two months or so began to show signs of abating. This laudable outcome represents the commitment of the countries directly involved in the disputes to resolve them bilaterally and in peace.

However, while the tree craves calm, the wind will not subside.