Oriental wisdom opens new chapter of China-ASEAN ties(3)

NEW SECURITY CONCEPT -- CONSULTATION AND COMPROMISE

"He whoever has had experience with chopsticks understands that one single chopstick won't do the work of putting food in the mouth," Premier Li said, "To do the work, a pair of chopsticks are needed. And when a bunch of chopsticks are tied together, they won't break easily."

Li's metaphor of chopsticks has vividly illustrated China's new security concept, extending a positive political will to settle disputes through negotiation.

The "waves" in the South China Sea, which was supposed to be tranquil and calm, were often made by some ill-disposed media. A fundamental cause is that internal affairs of the region have been complicated by external factors.

More than 100,000 ships of various countries sail across the sea safely every year, but there is still some media hyping up the freedom of navigation. Besides, the principle that the countries directly concerned should address conflicts through consultation and negotiation is not abided by.

Sovereignty and territorial integrity have a stake in a country's core interests and a bearing on national sentiment. In this sense, "harmony is most precious," a Confucianist idea, sheds light on solutions to the conflicts.

The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which was signed a decade ago, embodies China's stances and principles. Today China has explicitly expressed its will to push forward consultations on a code of conduct on the basis of consensus.

Before the conflicts are completely resolved, shelving disputes and seeking joint development is a viable solution. This innovative way of thinking has opened up new possibilities for addressing the conflict.

Experts said progress made during Li's visit has signaled that countries in the region share the wisdom to safeguard maritime peace and turn the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.