[ SCMP ] Why Asean is wary about stronger ties with China

Why Asean is wary about stronger ties with China

Does a disagreement over wording of China-Asean joint statement point to obstacles ahead?

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang told Asean that Beijing was keen to “explore the possibility of elevating relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership as a new benchmark of China-Asean cooperation”.

But the phrase “comprehensive strategic partnership”, which signifies a higher priority in Beijing’s foreign affairs, did not appear in a lengthy joint statement released late on Tuesday.

That statement simply said that the two sides agreed to “closely work together to advance the China-Asean strategic partnership to a higher level”.

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While Beijing seeks broader cooperation in politics and security, Asean may be more cautious about its relationship with China so as not to annoy the United States, according to Chen Xiangmiao, an assistant research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies in Hainan.

“Asean has pursued a balance policy between the great powers, and there could be concerns if the US takes that as Asean leaning closer to China,” he said.

There could be disagreement among Asean’s 10 members, which have a consensus-based decision-making mechanism, Chen added.

Pang Zhongying, an international affairs expert at Qingdao’s Ocean University of China, said a “trust deficit” would also hinder Asean from upgrading ties with Beijing.