Cambodia’s current position as head of Asean and its relations with China could help the mediation process over the South China Sea, a Cambodian analyst says. The dispute over maritime boundaries between China and some members of Asean are complicated, but Cambodia would not be exempt from a regional conflict, says Chheang Vannarith, executive director of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace. Cambodia’s policy of neutrality, he says, could help achieve progress in the dispute. (Soeung Sophat, Washington)