News Snapshot:
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s latest Asia tour was viewed by some foreign observers as a likely move to counter the US’ regional influence. Such speculations mistook the purpose of the trip and the nature of the relations between China and Southeast Asia. Wang just wrapped up his weeklong trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and South Korea. The foreign minister discussed a wide range of cooperation, including anti-epidemic and development cooperation and BRI cooperation, with senior officials in these countries. Coming after recent high-profile visits by US officials in Southeast Asia, Wang’s trip was widely seen as...