After diplomatic normalisation in 1988, China has overwhelmed Laos with financial and technical assistance in an attempt to pull Vientiane into its orbit of Thailand’s sphere of influence. In another instance, Thailand cooperated with ASEAN in neutralizing a perceived Chinese threat, as China and four other ASEAN members (the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia) have fiercely engaged in territorial claims over various features and ocean space in the South China Sea. Although Thailand is not one of the claimants, it supported the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in 2002. This Declaration stresses the need to resolve the territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultation, and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned.