Achieving greater connection without sacrificing strategic autonomy

Editor's note: Han Zhili, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a research professor at the Institute of Asian Studies under China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU). Wei Hongchi is an associate professor at the Department of English and International Studies under CFAU. The article reflects the authors' opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and related summits that concluded in Vientiane, Laos, Friday, reflect the policy shift of Laos, the ASEAN chair in 2024, to turn itself from a land-locked country into a regional connectivity hub.

This is borne out by the theme of the summit, "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience," and the full operation of the China-Laos Railway. It is also aligned with ASEAN's vision of achieving a more connected and integrated region, capable of addressing emerging challenges in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.

As one of the most influential regional organizations worldwide, ASEAN plays a pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability, economic development and multilateral cooperation. China has maintained its position as the bloc's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China's top trading partner for four consecutive years. Both are important sources and destinations of investment, with cumulative investments of over $400 billion in both directions.

China is willing to promote regional connectivity and integration by aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with ASEAN's plans on connectivity and integration. It is also working closely with ASEAN to accelerate negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to promote integrated development of regional production and supply chains and the growth of globally competitive industrial clusters.

Furthermore, China is cooperating with ASEAN countries to upgrade traditional industries and develop emerging sectors. This collaboration will enhance mutually beneficial partnerships in areas such as the digital economy, green development, technological innovation and artificial intelligence, releasing greater dynamism for innovation and fostering new growth drivers and competitive advantages.

However, there are concerns that ASEAN's strategic autonomy may be compromised amid intensifying rivalry between the United States and China, due to its security commitments with the U.S. and economic dependence on China.

The U.S. has sought to strengthen its security ties with ASEAN by renewing existing treaties with the Philippines and Thailand, and nurturing new strategic alliances with Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.

In contrast to the U.S. alliances, China's strategic partnerships with ASEAN as well as with individual countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia, operate within a more flexible and less restrictive institutional framework.

Instead of making mandatory and binding treaties, China and its ASEAN partners have joint statements and action plans that outline their shared objectives and cooperation initiatives, indicating commitment without legal constraints. The cooperative framework is based on principles of reciprocity and mutual benefits, rather than zero-sum strategic calculations or a patron-client dynamic.

In the context of great power competition, ASEAN is not a passive actor but an independent and active force, capable of exercising its agency to influence the behavior of both the U.S. and China in the Asia-Pacific. It engages with both countries through its network of dialogue partnerships, whose interconnected nature makes it difficult for any single power to impose its will unilaterally.

ASEAN's central role in fostering regional integration and cooperation further ensures that its economic and security interests are met without sacrificing strategic autonomy. Over the past decade, significant regional economic agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, have been negotiated and implemented within the framework of ASEAN's dialogue partnerships, reinforcing ASEAN's centrality in the institutional architecture for regional economic and trade cooperation.

ASEAN-centered security arrangements, such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus and the ASEAN Regional Forum, have become the most inclusive and important platforms for Asia-Pacific countries to engage in dialogue and consultation on issues of common interests and concerns. These forums strengthen the region's preference for multilateralism and inclusivity.

By engaging with both the U.S. and China, ASEAN countries seek to promote regional connectivity and integration without being pressured into exclusive alignments. The intricate network of overlapping relationships offers ASEAN the flexibility needed to navigate the complex geopolitical dynamics and the ability to act independently in strategically important policy areas.

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