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China and ASEAN: A Partnership Shaping the International Order
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit and commemorative events in Beijing highlighted China and Southeast Asian nations' shared commitment to a correct historical view of World War II, upholding the postwar order, and improving global governance.
- What is the nature of China-ASEAN relations, and how are they navigating major-power competition?
- China and ASEAN share historical ties and common principles, promoting a 'third path' of multipolarity and strategic autonomy. ASEAN countries refuse to choose sides between China and the US, prioritizing economic prosperity and opposing a 'new Cold War'.
- How does the evolving global order impact Southeast Asia, and what strategic choices does the region face?
- Southeast Asia faces a choice between openness and integration, championed by China's initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, and division and confrontation, reflected in the US's Indo-Pacific strategy. This choice significantly impacts the region's stability and economic growth.
- What are the key priorities for future cooperation between China and ASEAN to further strengthen their partnership and shape the international order?
- Future priorities include enhancing connectivity between China's southwest and ASEAN, strengthening supply chain integration, and accelerating collaboration in green and digital economies and AI. Leveraging China's domestic and Global South markets will be crucial for this partnership's future success.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the strategic choices facing Southeast Asia as a dichotomy between openness and integration (positive, associated with China) versus division and confrontation (negative, associated with the US). This framing is evident in the repeated contrasting of China's initiatives (Belt and Road Initiative, Asian community with a shared future) with the US's perceived strategy of containment. While acknowledging the existence of US engagement, the article significantly emphasizes China's role in promoting regional cooperation and stability, potentially overshadowing alternative perspectives or nuances in US policy.
Language Bias
The article uses language that subtly favors China. Phrases like "constructive way", "successful path", and "common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable" security are used to describe China's actions, while the US's strategy is described using terms like "strategic containment" and "pressure", which carry more negative connotations. The repeated use of "shared" values and a "shared future" further reinforces a sense of unity and common purpose with China. Neutral alternatives could include more balanced descriptions of both sides' actions and goals, avoiding overtly positive or negative phrasing.
Bias by Omission
The article omits potential negative aspects of China's influence in the region, such as concerns about its growing economic and military power. It also downplays criticism of China's human rights record and its assertive actions in the South China Sea. While acknowledging the existence of strategic anxiety within ASEAN, the article does not fully explore the range of anxieties or concerns some ASEAN states may have about China. This selective omission might limit the reader's ability to form a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical dynamics at play.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between a path of openness and integration championed by China and a path of division and confrontation linked to the US. This oversimplifies the complex strategic choices faced by Southeast Asian nations, which often involve navigating a multi-polar world with numerous actors and interests beyond just China and the US. The narrative overlooks the possibility of alternative approaches that do not neatly fit into either category.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article emphasizes the importance of promoting a correct historical view of World War II, upholding the postwar international order, and improving the global governance system. These actions directly contribute to peace, justice, and strong institutions by fostering cooperation, preventing conflict, and strengthening international norms. The promotion of a "third path" that avoids major power confrontation also contributes to this goal. The collaborations between China and ASEAN nations, particularly their focus on economic cooperation and regional stability, are examples of building strong institutions and fostering peace.