This paper analyzes the success of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in its capability to socialize China, with specific reference to territorial issues in the South China Sea from 2008-2014. IR accepts that social interaction can change behavior through exogenous constraints imposed upon actors within given environments. The six case studies presented will provide examples of maritime security issues within the scope of ASEAN’s security apparatus ARF, and illustrate how normative pressure from the association has affected China. China is internalizing these norms at an uneven pace. Recent behavior in the South China Sea shows that China is exhibiting realpolitik behavior when it engages in territorial disputes. While there is evidence of socialization within the ASEAN and China relationship, recent pressure from other claimant countries, mainly Vietnam and the Philippines, has exacerbated the tensions in the region. ASEAN is not adequately mitigating the resulting conflicts.