Info slide: The South China Sea conflict is an ongoing territorial dispute between China and countries in South East Asia (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam) over islands and various zones in the South China Sea which possess rich resources and fisheries. Recently, China has increased its militarized aggression in the region as well as efforts to increasing claims over islands by piling sand onto existing reefs.
ASEAN refers to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations which comprises all countries in South East Asia. It works to promote intergovernmental cooperation for political, economic, education and security integration among the members. At the moment, ASEAN does not have a standing army.