China’s Asean influence sets stage for new superpower battleground with US, as the ball shifts to Biden’s court
- In America’s absence, China has been strengthening its economic hand in Southeast Asia, while the region is becoming increasingly important amid trade disputes
- But ‘incorrigible hedgers’ in Asean do not want to become pawns in a geopolitical game between the world’s largest economies
As China continues to expand its sphere of influence in its own backyard, all eyes are on the response from the incoming administration of US president-elect Joe Biden – and Asean is being described as a new ground zero in the ongoing superpower rivalry.
After an extended period of neglect by the United States, pressure is on Biden to re-engage in the region, especially after Chinese President Xi Jinping voiced support for joining the Pacific Rim trade deal once sponsored by Washington.
There has been a lively debate as to whether Beijing could meet strict rules on state-owned enterprises, for example, needed to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
“Everyone is well aware of the challenges for China to join the deal; it is more of a long-term goal,” said He Ping, a professor of international politics at Fudan University, who added that while Xi’s gesture was “symbolic”, it should be “completely realistic” in the long run.
China’s supply chains are more interconnected with Asean too, so economic ties … will only grow deeper in the long run
Nonetheless, the mere suggestion has served to highlight the US’ ongoing absence in the region.