... are being resolved; Malaysia and Singapore are referring their case to the International Court of Justice, as are Malaysia and Indonesia. Malaysia and Vietnam have resolved their differences by establishing a joint development area. Perhaps the most significant issue that could affect regional stability is conflicting claims over the South China Sea. This potential oil- and gas-rich area is under dispute by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei. Undeniably China's position is central to the area's stability. So far, it would appear China has been inconsistent in its position over the South China Sea, first refusing to see it as a multilateral issue then preferring to treat it as a bilateral issue and finally acquiescing. However, its actions also have been inconsistent with its declarations, first demonstrated when it confronted the Philippines over Mischief Reef. This Chinese action shattered the belief that Beijing would not use force against ...

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