by Xinhua Writer Wang Shang

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Despite media hype about conflicts in the South China Sea and irresponsible unilateral behaviors by certain countries, the overall situation in the South China Sea has been stable in 2014.

Although frictions over maritime territorial disputes constitute an issue for regional stability, the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea has not become a problem.

Ever since China established a strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2003, China and countries of the bloc have enjoyed sound relations.

Now China and ASEAN are striving for strengthened comprehensive cooperation.

In 2014, China has actively engaged in bilateral and multilateral consultations and negotiations in order to solve territorial disputes in a flexible, pragmatic and principle-oriented manner.

China has been advocating a "dual-track" approach: Bilateral disputes should be addressed by the countries directly concerned through friendly negotiations; peace and stability in the South China Sea should be jointly maintained by China and ASEAN countries.

The "dual-track" approach is the most effective way to reduce tensions in the South China Sea while maintaining peace, stability and momentum of cooperation and development in the Southeast Asian region, said Ling Dequan, a researcher with the Center for World Affairs Studies, a Xinhua affiliate.

In addition, China also has vigorously advocated the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative in the region, which can bring a powerful push to the economies of ASEAN countries.

China welcomes all ASEAN countries, including those that have territorial disputes with China, aboard the express train of the project, and will not stop its efforts to strengthen economic ties with the ASEAN countries.

IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIORS OF CERTAIN COUNTRIES

However, a cacophony from some countries over maritime territorial disputes can still be heard from time to time.

In May, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group made unwarranted arrests of 11 Chinese fishermen from waters off China's Half Moon Shoal in Nansha Islands.

Vietnam, in the meantime, disrupted the normal drilling operations of a Chinese company in the waters off China's Xisha Islands. Looting and arson targeted foreign companies in Vietnam, including Chinese companies.

While continuing confrontation with China at sea, the Philippines and Vietnam have tried many times to egg ASEAN on to pass a resolution concerning the South China Sea issue, in an obvious attempt to force ASEAN to take sides.

The Philippines also initiated an international arbitration on the matter, which was a deviation from the path of bilateral talks.

China has rejected Manila's move as the disputes are out of the purview of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

To act like a crying baby is not a mature way to deal with the existing problems.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Chinese fishermen operated in Nansha and Xisha Islands thousands of years ago. The islands and waters claimed by China had been under the governance of China long before any nation of modern form emerged in Southeast Asia.

In the meantime, China's claims, which are often under unwarranted criticism, are vindicated by facts back in December 1947, when the Kuomintang government regained sovereignty over the South China Sea islands from Japan after World War II.

The claims, indicated in widely circulated Chinese maps, had not been challenged by any country, including the Philippines and Vietnam.

However, things changed as vast reserves of gas and oil were found under the South China Sea. The Philippines, Vietnam and some other countries started to assert sovereignty or exclusive economic zone claims that overlapped Chinese territories.

The UNCLOS did not take effect until 1994, long after China had established its sovereignty over the areas. And the convention, like other international agreements, should by no means be retroactive.

China is not the bully on this matter. On the contrary, China has always exercised maximum restraint in response to provocations, because peaceful negotiations and consultations have always been Chine's first choice to solve international disputes with other countries.

INSTIGATION FROM OUTSIDE

In addition to the irresponsible unilateral behaviors of some countries, outside interference has also been a major destabilizing factor.

Although the U.S. government has claimed that it does not take sides on the South China Sea issue, comments from Washington have emboldened countries like the Philippines and Vietnam in their confrontation with China. The situation has made an amicable solution more difficult to reach.

The coincidence of tensions in the South China Sea and the U.S. "pivot to Asia" strategy keeps people guessing the real intentions of Washington.

Japan is also seen to exert its influence on the South China Sea issue. Japan has donated patrol ships to the Philippines to support its maritime claims.

It is tempting for some countries such as the Philippines to see the United States and Japan as powerful allies on issues of maritime territorial disputes. But it is questionable how far Washington and Tokyo are willing to go.

Rather than counting on the dubious support from outside meddlers, the best way is to follow the "dual-track" approach and engage in friendly and candid talks with China, which truly respects the interests of parties concerned.