Historical Memory and Sino-ASEAN Relations in the South China Sea Disputes

This study examines the role of historical memory in shaping Sino-ASEAN relations amid the ongoing South China Sea disputes, highlighting how collective recollections of past conflicts influence contemporary diplomatic strategies and regional interactions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative content analysis of official statements, policy documents, and media narratives with qualitative historical-interpretive analysis to trace the evolution and deployment of historical narratives by China and ASEAN member states. Findings are expected to reveal patterns in how historical memory is invoked to justify territorial claims, frame negotiations, and influence public perception, offering insight into the interplay between memory, national identity, and foreign policy. By integrating numerical trends with interpretive insights, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the socio-political dynamics underlying the South China Sea disputes and the mechanisms through which historical memory continues to shape regional diplomacy.