africa.chinadaily.com.cn
ASEAN Seeks Economic Resilience Amidst Global Protectionism
ASEAN nations face economic challenges from rising protectionism and major power rivalry, necessitating strategies for enhanced regional integration, supply chain diversification, and digital trade facilitation to boost competitiveness and resilience; e-commerce is projected to double by 2030.
- What specific strategies can ASEAN adopt to strengthen its economic resilience and reduce its vulnerability to external shocks?
- The current geopolitical landscape necessitates ASEAN's proactive response to evolving power dynamics and protectionist measures. Internal conflicts among ASEAN members and fragmented supply chains hinder regional economic resilience. Solutions involve strengthening regional cooperation, particularly in emerging industries like semiconductors and renewable energy, and developing regional payment systems to reduce reliance on external shocks.
- How is ASEAN responding to the challenges posed by rising global protectionism and the intensifying rivalry between major powers?
- ASEAN faces economic challenges due to rising global protectionism and major power rivalry, impacting its export markets and supply chains. US tariffs, though lower than initially threatened, still exceed pre-existing rates, highlighting trade friction beyond US-China relations. The region's overdependence on specific markets and vulnerabilities in key sectors like semiconductors necessitate diversification and resilience-building.
- What are the long-term implications of ASEAN's current economic trajectory, and what measures are needed to ensure inclusive growth and regional stability?
- ASEAN's future hinges on strategic diversification and enhanced regional integration. This includes fostering robust regional supply chains, particularly in critical sectors, and promoting digital trade through harmonized data governance. A shift toward flexible multilateralism, exemplified by initiatives like the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, is crucial for inclusive growth and maintaining ASEAN's centrality in regional affairs. The projected doubling of e-commerce sales by 2030 underscores the need for proactive adaptation and policy alignment.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames ASEAN's challenges primarily through an economic lens, emphasizing the need for regional integration and economic resilience. While valid, this framing might downplay the significance of other factors, like political instability or social inequalities, that also impact the region's stability and development. The use of expert quotes supports this economic focus, potentially overshadowing other perspectives.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective. While terms like "rivalry" and "protectionism" might have negative connotations, they accurately reflect the geopolitical context. The article avoids overtly loaded or emotionally charged language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on economic challenges and solutions within ASEAN, with limited discussion of social or political factors that could influence the region's trajectory. While the economic analysis is thorough, a more holistic perspective incorporating social and political dimensions would provide a more complete understanding. The omission of perspectives from smaller ASEAN nations beyond the quoted experts might also limit the analysis's comprehensiveness.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present explicit false dichotomies, but there's an implicit framing that suggests economic cooperation is the primary solution to geopolitical risks. While collaboration is crucial, the analysis overlooks other potential approaches, such as diplomatic negotiations or alternative economic strategies.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses strategies to improve ASEAN