Frontmatter -- FOREWORD -- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY -- INTRODUCTION -- I. CHINA'S MOTIVATIONS IN ENGAGING WITH ASEAN ON THE SCS -- II. CHINA'S STANCE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOC -- III. CHINA'S NEGOTIATING BEHAVIOUR ON THE COC -- IV. CONTINUITY AND CHANGE -- CONCLUSION
Summary
China's engagement with ASEAN over the South China Sea, from the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to the ongoing negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC), exhibits a dynamic continuum with two constants:1. Dismissal of any legally binding instrument that would constrain China's freedom of action; and2. Persistent territorialization of the SCS despite Beijing's simultaneous diplomatic engagement with ASEAN. The continuity is juxtaposed with elements of change in China's engagement with ASEAN, as afforded by the former's growing power and influence. This metamorphosis
