Observing the diplomatic maneuvering over the South China Sea issues in the runup to and including the July and November Bali summits was like watching a multi-act Shakespearian play unfold. The main protagonist was China, which was bedeviled by several nymphs — the counter claimants to the South China Sea islands and maritime space.
The critical scenes took place in Bali. First in July the main protagonist — China — met with all the nymphs (ASEAN). Then in the November meetings a second protagonist was introduced — the United States.
In the first act, China and ASEAN were able to compromise on a set of guidelines for implementing the ASEAN-China Declaration on Conduct in the South China Sea. Although it was weak, leaking and lacking specifics, its agreement was considered a diplomatic success. And then ASEAN wanted to work on a consensus draft of principles for a binding code of conduct. But alas, China did not think the timing was "appropriate" so ASEAN forged ahead on its own.