11-8-2023 (BEIJING) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has commenced his visit to three Southeast Asian countries in an effort to enhance strategic communication and reinforce ties with ASEAN member nations. The visit is viewed by Chinese experts as a signal of China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and fostering stronger relationships with ASEAN countries.
Wang’s tour comes at a time when the United States is creating tensions and divisions in the Asia-Pacific region, further emphasizing the need for regional solidarity and connectivity to avoid misunderstandings caused by discord sown by the US. It is believed that countries in the region will oppose any actions that undermine regional stability and prosperity.
As a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, Wang has been invited to visit Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia from August 10 to 13.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China hopes the visit will enhance strategic communication with the three Southeast Asian countries, translate the new characterization of China-Singapore relations into action, make substantial progress in building a community with a shared future with Malaysia and Cambodia, deepen high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, and elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
China is ready to collaborate with these nations to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of boosting economic recovery, safeguarding peace and stability, deepening exchanges, and mutual learning to contribute to the peace, stability, and development of the region and beyond.
Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, suggested that Wang’s visit signifies China’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN member countries and build even stronger relationships. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, believes that 2023 is a crucial year for China-ASEAN cooperation, providing an opportune moment to promote ties.
The year 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of China’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), as well as the 10th anniversary of initiatives for a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the vision of building a global community of shared future for mankind.
Southeast Asian countries have played a significant role in advancing BRI cooperation and ensuring sustainable stability in China’s external environment. According to Li, both China and ASEAN member countries seek lasting and stable prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, rather than a region marred by conflict and division.
The recent tension between China and the Philippines over Ren’ai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands has prompted the US and the Philippines to reiterate their commitment to bolstering military cooperation. US President Joe Biden also announced his intention to visit Vietnam soon at Vietnam’s invitation. Gu noted that relations between the Philippines and the US are strengthening, while Vietnam is balancing its relationships with China and the US, resulting in elevated ties with the US.
Southeast Asia holds great importance in the US’ “Indo-Pacific Strategy,” and it is possible that some countries in the region may be forced to act as a wedge for the US to penetrate ASEAN, Gu explained. Li highlighted the US as a disruptive factor in China-ASEAN relations, as Washington attempts to form an “anti-China consensus” in Southeast Asia by exaggerating “China threats.” Li argued that division and confrontation are necessary for the US to establish regional hegemony.
However, analysts believe that most Southeast Asian countries are highly aware of the US’ actions, which will contribute to the stable development of China-ASEAN relations. Gu stated that since establishing full dialogue partnership with China in 1991, ASEAN member countries have witnessed accelerated economic growth. Most countries have reached a consensus of not taking sides.
ASEAN has been China’s largest trading partner for three consecutive years, with trade between China and ASEAN member countries accounting for 15.3 percent of China’s total trade in the first half of 2023, amounting to 3.08 trillion yuan ($428.96 billion), a 5.4 percent increase from 2022. In contrast, US intervention in Southeast Asia underscores the significance of regional exchanges.
By strengthening economic and trade cooperation, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and enhancing political communication, China and ASEAN member countries can mitigate and avoid maliciously provoked misjudgments or misunderstandings caused by the US, according to Gu.
In 2023, China and ASEAN will deepen exchanges and cooperation through various events, including the ASEAN-China Summit, the 20th China-ASEAN Expo, the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, and the APEC Summit. Li believes that countries should choose their own strategic autonomy and resist attempts to undermine theregional stability and unity.
During his visit to Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia, Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to hold high-level meetings with leaders and officials to discuss bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and key issues of mutual concern. The focus will be on enhancing economic ties, promoting connectivity, and deepening cooperation under initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In Singapore, Wang will likely discuss the new characterization of China-Singapore relations and explore opportunities for further collaboration in various sectors, including trade, investment, and technology. The discussions may also touch upon regional security and the South China Sea issue.
In Malaysia, Wang is expected to build on the existing strong relations between the two countries and explore avenues for enhancing cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, digital economy, and tourism. The visit may also provide an opportunity to discuss the BRI projects in Malaysia and address any concerns or challenges.
In Cambodia, Wang’s discussions will likely focus on strengthening China-Cambodia ties, particularly in the context of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The visit may involve discussions on economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, and people-to-people exchanges.
Overall, the Southeast Asia tour by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reflects China’s commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering stronger relationships with ASEAN member countries. It underscores the importance of regional solidarity, stability, and prosperity while countering any disruptive actions or attempts to sow discord in the region.
