Asean’s balancing act gains momentum

In the middle of the Covid-19 crisis, a tentative idea was raised at the Chongqing virtual meeting between Asean-China foreign ministers in June 2021, for Asean Plus Two. The two referred to the US and China. The bloc’s leaders were quite worried that US-China rivalry, especially during the pandemic, would result in catastrophic outcomes for the regional economy and its integration.

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

Asean should therefore do its bit by hosting, facilitating dialogue and cooperation between the two superpowers to ensure peaceful coexistence. The idea did not fly.

One reason was simply that the bigger powers did not need the bloc’s handling. Both Washington and Beijing also have their bilateral channels.

However, what has taken place in Kuala Lumpur over the week, when the Thai-Cambodian ceasefire was concluded, indicates that Asean has built up its convening power to have the US and China observe the Asean way of resolving intra-Asean challenges.

Their presence is significant for many reasons. First, both the US and China want to see a stable and prosperous region, which is good for their respective economies. Second, both powers have different approaches towards regional issues. The US is more assertive in tackling such issues impacting its global strategy, while China has been cautious and prefers regional countries to solve their own problems, supporting regional efforts. In Kuala Lumpur, the current Asean chair can collaborate with the US and China to create an enduring environment conducive to easing tensions and promoting friendliness.

In short, now that Asean has brought the two superpowers to the same table, more accomplishments could follow. Previously, US-China rivalry has often overshadowed Asean meetings. Yet this time, as an isolated event, their representatives stayed in the room and listened, taking in what the Asean leadership was proposing.

Could the Kuala Lumpur meeting serve as a followup to the Chongqing idea?