Why Asean-China relations will remain cordial, but not close


Source: scmp.com scmp.com

Key Topics in this News Article:

News Snapshot:

China hosted the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at a meeting in Chongqing on June 7-8 to mark the 30th anniversary of dialogue relations between the two sides. Given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the region, China offered Asean its support by way of the supply and joint production of vaccines. Further, the joint statement issued said both parties would “advance Asean-China Strategic Partnership to new heights by forging closer cooperation”. The subtext of this document and its larger geopolitical context merit scrutiny. Bilateral interaction between Asean and China began in July 1991 when...