How can ASEAN navigate competing superpower influences?

AWANI

Can ASEAN chart its own course amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry, or is it being edged to the sidelines of regional power dynamics? We pose this question to analyst Dr. Azmi Hassan.

Transcript

00:00Now caught between the strategic tug of war of two superpowers, ASEAN finds itself navigating treacherous waters.

00:08Can ASEAN chart its own course amid intensifying US-China rivalry, or is it being slowly edged to the sidelines of regional power play?

00:17We ask this to fellow of the National Council of Professors, Dr Azmi Hassan.

00:21Well, in the case of Taiwan, for example, I think 10, all 10 nations of ASEAN members adopted a one-China policy, no issue there.

00:35So there is no, I would say, sensitive issue about Taiwan.

00:40For regional trade blocs, I think RCEP, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, 10 ASEAN nations plus other five nations,

00:49really demonstrate that if regional blocs come into force, ASEAN can come together.

00:57And more recently, just a few days ago, CAFTA, the China-ASEAN free trade area, has been finalized after two years, three years of negotiation.

01:06So in this case, for regional trade blocs, I think ASEAN will come together, except for one geopolitical issue, which is the South China Sea.

01:15As I see it, there are three blocs here.

01:18One bloc are more inclined to support the United States, another bloc is more inclined to be with China,

01:25and another bloc seems to be, don't care, or seems to be neutral in this case.

01:32So for South China Sea, it has been going like that.

01:37Very difficult to get a consensus, except for one thing, I guess.

01:41We have a consensus in terms of code of conduct.

01:44All 10 ASEAN nations have been pushing for China to accept the framework, at least the framework of the COC.

01:52So in this case, I would say I'm positive about Taiwan, South China Sea, and also the regional trade blocs, when ASEAN is of concern.

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