Why Asean is wary about stronger ties with China
- Does a disagreement over wording of China-Asean joint statement point to obstacles ahead?
- Worries about Beijing may jeopardise negotiations for South China Sea code of conduct, warn experts
Southeast Asian countries are still worried about China, despite Beijing’s latest efforts to boost relations during the first face-to-face meeting of foreign ministers since the pandemic began.
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Explained: the history of China’s territorial disputes
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”.
Experts said this apparent difference in language could suggest obstacles ahead for Beijing’s engagement with Asean, whose nations are among China’s most important neighbours.