usa.chinadaily.com.cn
ASEAN Urged to Strengthen Regional Cooperation Amidst US Tariffs and Geopolitical Risks
ASEAN faces economic challenges from US tariffs and global power shifts, prompting calls for stronger regional integration, diversified supply chains, and digital trade harmonization to boost resilience and competitiveness, with e-commerce sales projected to more than double by 2030.
- What immediate economic impacts are resulting from the US tariff policies on Southeast Asian exports, and how is ASEAN responding to these challenges?
- ASEAN faces challenges due to rising US protectionism and global power dynamics, impacting its economic resilience and export markets. The US has imposed tariffs on Southeast Asian exports, exceeding pre-existing rates, despite being lower than initially threatened. This situation necessitates ASEAN's proactive response to mitigate these risks and strengthen its economic standing.
- How do the internal conflicts within ASEAN member states and the evolving global power dynamics affect the region's economic stability and cooperation?
- The US's domestic and foreign policies, characterized by internal divisions and disregard for international norms, pose significant challenges to ASEAN partnerships. Furthermore, ASEAN's over-reliance on limited export and import markets, coupled with fragmented supply chains and slow progress in addressing climate change, intensifies these vulnerabilities. These factors underscore the urgent need for diversified strategies and enhanced regional cooperation.
- What long-term strategies should ASEAN adopt to enhance its economic resilience, reduce overdependence on specific markets, and leverage emerging technologies like e-commerce for inclusive growth?
- To bolster resilience, ASEAN must prioritize regional integration, strengthen supply chains in key sectors (semiconductors, EVs, renewable energy), and improve financial sector connectivity through local currency settlements. The burgeoning e-commerce sector presents an opportunity for growth but requires harmonized data governance. By focusing on these areas, ASEAN can reduce external vulnerabilities and enhance its global influence.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames ASEAN's challenges primarily through the lens of economic vulnerability and the need for greater regional cooperation. While this is a valid perspective, other potential framings, such as the role of internal political conflicts or the differing interests of member states, are downplayed. The emphasis on economic resilience and integration sets a specific tone that might overshadow other important aspects of ASEAN's position in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective. Experts' opinions are presented without editorial spin. However, phrases like "main powers" could be interpreted as subtly biased, potentially hinting at a power struggle between specific nations. The term could be replaced with a more neutral term such as "major global players.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on economic challenges and solutions within ASEAN, neglecting potential social or political factors that may influence the region's trajectory. While the economic aspects are thoroughly discussed, a broader perspective incorporating other relevant dimensions would provide a more comprehensive understanding. For example, the impact of climate change on various ASEAN countries is mentioned but not elaborated upon, and the impact of political instability within specific member states on economic cooperation is not explicitly addressed. This omission may limit the reader's ability to fully grasp the complexities of the issues at hand.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present false dichotomies. However, the solutions proposed tend to focus on economic cooperation and integration as the primary path towards resilience, potentially overlooking the role of other approaches or the possibility of multiple simultaneous strategies.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses strategies to enhance ASEAN's economic resilience, competitiveness, and inclusive growth, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Initiatives mentioned, such as strengthening regional supply chains, developing regional payment connectivity, and fostering digital trade, directly contribute to improved economic conditions and job creation.