A security dilemma continues in the South China Sea, as disputes remain unresolved. While sporadic skirmishes between China, the Philippines, and Vietnam cause diplomatic and military tension, none has escalated into serious armed conflict. Tensions occur as claimants pursue unilateral actions that are perceived by other claimants as altering the status quo. This study looks into the different actions taken by claimants as incidents at sea occur, and identify trends and mechanisms that promote security and stability in the SCS. When tensions increase, claimants resort to diplomatic means and de-escalation of conflict. The increased participation of other institutions and states also deter the escalation of conflict. The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in SCS embodies the commitment of claimants to exercise self-restraint, seek peaceful resolution of conflict, uphold the rule of law, and pursue confidence-building activities. The DOC resulted from increased involvement of ASEAN in the disputes. The ASEAN, ASEAN Regional Forum, and SCS conferences allowed for informal and formal consultations, dialogues, and negotiations that promoted a collective interest on stability and security. The ASEAN Way and such foreign policies as China's "peaceful rise" and US and ASEAN's engagement of China also facilitated the relative peace in the SCS.

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