Editorial | Upgrade of relations with Asean by China essential for stability
- With many years of US rivalry ahead, Beijing is wise to ensure a stable external environment with neighbours on both economic and geopolitical grounds
A stable external environment is important to China’s development in the next decade or two. Management of the relationship with the United States is central to that imperative.
An example is to be found in the special summit to mark 30 years since Beijing became one of Asean’s dialogue partners. China has chosen the anniversary to announce a major upgrade of those ties to the higher diplomatic level of comprehensive strategic partnership.
The best way for China to ensure a stable external environment and resist pressure from the West is to consolidate relations with the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
US projection of military power in the region from so far away has declined in comparison with China’s growing military strength. Without regional support, however tough the anti-China rhetoric from the most hawkish circles in America, the US would find it difficult to threaten China.
Not only is it important for China to secure the support of Asean countries, but the summit comes during a pivotal period in Southeast Asia’s affairs. The Philippines faces an election soon for a new president to succeed Rodrigo Duterte, amid relations fraught over territorial claims in the South China Sea.