As China, US vie for influence, Asean states put their own needs first, experts say – BOL News

The ASEAN States will not take sides as US-China competition intensifies in the region, opting instead to engage the two powers based on their own needs, according to diplomatic observers. The ASEAN States will not take sides as US-China competition intensifies in the region, opting instead to engage the two powers based on their own needs, according to diplomatic observers. The assessment follows Washington's decision to upgrade relations with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and name the White House National Security Council's chief of staff as the new envoy to the region, a position vacant since 2017. "As…