Chinese Premier Li Qiang is pushing for stronger economic connections with Southeast Asia during summit discussions, where tensions over the South China Sea disputes loom large. The ongoing annual talks with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) come in the wake of recent maritime clashes between China and ASEAN nations like the Philippines and Vietnam, sparking concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the region. Despite the maritime strife, Li did not directly address the disputes in his address but emphasized the importance of enhancing trade ties between China and ASEAN, which represents a massive market of 672 million people.
In his opening speech at the summit talks, Li highlighted the challenges posed by a sluggish global economy, increasing protectionism, and geopolitical uncertainties, underlining the mutual benefits of deepening economic cooperation between China and ASEAN. China stands as ASEAN’s top trading partner and its third-largest foreign investor, influencing the bloc’s cautious approach towards condemning Chinese actions in the South China Sea. While ASEAN members share conflicting territorial claims with China in the region, they have primarily called for restraint and adherence to international laws.
The disputes centre around overlapping claims in the South China Sea involving nations like Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, alongside Taiwan, against China’s expansive sovereignty assertions over the area. Efforts to establish a code of conduct for governing actions in the disputed waters have been sluggish, marked by disagreements over the pact’s binding nature. Recent tensions have escalated with clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels, as well as reports of Chinese forces engaging with Vietnamese fishermen in disputed waters, further complicating the situation.
The United States, although not a claimant in the South China Sea disputes, has been actively involved in patrolling the region to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight. This has drawn warnings from China against U.S. intervention in the maritime disagreements. Additionally, ASEAN leaders engaged in bilateral discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol before convening with China for an ASEAN Plus Three summit. The summit also involves talks with dialogue partners like Australia, Canada, India, the U.S., and the United Nations, leading to an East Asia Summit with 18 participating nations.
Amidst these geopolitical tensions, the ASEAN region grapples with challenges like the civil war in Myanmar following the military coup in 2021. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with ongoing clashes between the military and pro-democracy forces. ASEAN’s diplomatic efforts have aimed to address the crisis, despite Myanmar’s military backtracking on previous agreements. ASEAN’s role as a central peacemaker in the region remains vital, with former Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong underscoring the bloc’s significance in maintaining regional stability amidst external pressures.
As ASEAN continues to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and internal conflicts, its commitment to fostering economic ties and promoting peace remains central to its regional influence. The ongoing summit discussions serve as a platform for strategic dialogues and diplomatic manoeuvres to address pressing challenges, from territorial disputes in the South China Sea to the civil unrest in Myanmar, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and conflict resolution mechanisms within ASEAN’s framework.