Illustration: Liu Rui

Editor's Note:

Global Times articles on Sino-Vietnamese conflict over the South China Sea were by far its most commented online during 2011. Other most commented articles this year also relate to China's strategy in dealing with surrounding countries, with US return to Asia as a macro-background. What are China's best options to handle the dispute, which looks set to continue for years to come?  Why is the issue so heated? Global Times asked three experts to give their opinions on this issue.

Common security can calm turbulent sea
Asia ignores 'divide and conquer' tactics
Soft power better than fierce island battles