While individual ASEAN states may independently challenge China's claims in the South China Sea, ASEAN as a grouping has agreed only to push for a binding Code of Conduct over the maritime area - an agreement that has stalled as China and ASEAN member states battle over details. The US has waded into the conflict, with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying that "freedom of navigation and respect of international law" in the area is a matter of US national interest.