> I'd rather China invited other nations to discuss creating a law of the sea that's more reasonable than "small island theory" that comes down to us from colonial times.

How about "Set aside dispute and pursue joint development"[0]?

I think one thing you are right about is besides "joint development", we do need a regional LAW (rather than just an agreement) to completely settle the whole South China Sea thing.

http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/ziliao_665539/3602_665543/36...