China lays groundwork for deeper ties in Southeast Asia with Wang Yi tour
- Beijing’s top diplomat emphasises cooperation in trade and investment to build post-pandemic recovery in the region
- Visits to Asean member states intended to deepen engagement ahead of a possible shift in US policy under Joe Biden, observers say
Just days before the inauguration of president-elect Joe Biden, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi wrapped up a four-nation mission to Myanmar, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines, promising Beijing’s help with vaccine distribution, as well as cooperation on infrastructure and trade, to fuel the post-pandemic recovery.
Observers in the region said Wang’s latest visits were part of Beijing’s efforts to engage and deepen its ties with its neighbours, ahead of Biden’s expected push to step up relations with its allies and partners in response to China’s geopolitical posturing.
Earlier this week, Biden named Kurt Campbell, a Southeast Asian specialist and an Obama administration veteran, as Indo-Pacific coordinator – a new role within the National Security Council. Campbell has signalled predictability, steadiness and clarity in Washington’s future approach to China.
Kang Lin, a research fellow at southern China’s Hainan University, said outgoing president Donald Trump had largely ignored regions like Southeast Asia and Africa – where Wang wrapped up a new year tour before turning his attention closer to home – and Biden was expected to make some changes.