Huh. China was unable to pressure any Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) country to spike this decision:
The statement does not name China or refer to its declaration of an air defense identification zone in the East China Sea, The Japan Times reported. It says Asean and Japan "agreed to enhance cooperation in ensuring the freedom of overflight and civil aviation safety, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law."
China makes a big deal of Japan's World War II record as a reason to sustain a good hate on modern Japan.
Southeast Asian states that have first hand experience with conquest by Japan don't seem to hang on to that grievance. I guess it isn't enormously convenient for them.
I guess ASEAN states understand that if China keeps this up, every one of them could become a "core interest" of China.
And to help these states back up their statement, we've provided some money:
The United States on Monday offered $32.5 million in assistance to Southeast Asian nations, more than half to Vietnam, to boost maritime security, which comes as tension grows with China over rival claims in the South China Sea.
An incident could take place anywhere at sea, with China determined to push and neighbors determined not to be pushed too far.
