No external rowdies key to peaceful waters

Historical and present complexities, as well as increasing third-party interference, determine there is no quick solution to the maritime disputes in the South China Sea. However, as the recent, sometimes violent, run-ins between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels near Ren'ai and Xianbin reefs indicate, the need for crisis-management is pressingly acute.

That is why, although it remains to be seen if the promises can be delivered, Tuesday's ninth meeting under the Bicameral Consultation Mechanism was timely and welcome.

As was to be expected, much of the talk featured the two parties reiterating their respective sovereignty claims and commitment to defending them, with neither side showing any room for compromise, and each blaming the other for the recent incidents.