ARTICLES

28 Apr 2023

The Global Civilisation Initiative: Are ‘Asian Values’ Back with a Chinese Vengeance?

Hoang Thi Ha

Through its Global Civilisation Initiative, China argues that there are different paths to modernity. While such a view might resonate with Southeast Asian countries, one should not presume that they will jump on the GCI bandwagon.

ASEAN-China Relations China

27 Apr 2023

China’s “Model” Relationship with Southeast Asia: Significance and Limitations

Lye Liang Fook

China’s “model” relationship with Southeast Asia has the effect of constraining the foreign policy options of these countries by prescribing the elements it would like to see in the relationship. A more realistic approach is for countries to grow their ties based on each country’s national interests.

ASEAN-China Relations China

3 Mar 2023

Why Is China’s Global Development Initiative Well Received in Southeast Asia?

Hoang Thi Ha

Southeast Asian countries appear to have unanimously supported China’s Global Development Initiative in the hope that it will contribute towards addressing their development deficits and that China will up its economic game more broadly in the region.

ASEAN-China Relations Belt and Road Initiative

22 Feb 2023

The Chinese Offer of a Global Security Initiative: Anything New?

Zha Daojiong

Zha Daojiong articulates the key principles of China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) and what it means for ASEAN.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations ASEANFocus China Security

12 Aug 2022

When Lack of Jaw Jaw Might Lead to War War

William Choong

Washington and Beijing’s refusal to talk calmly to each other about the ongoing Taiwan crisis raises the stakes for Southeast Asia, which is already dealing with the repercussions of the chill between the great powers.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-U.S. Relations China-U.S. Relations

7 Jul 2022

‘Tell the RCEP Story Well’: The Salience of RCEP in China’s Global Discourse

Hoang Thi Ha

China has gone to extensive lengths to underscore the tangible benefits arising from its participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. But Beijing’s criticism of the United States as being anti-globalist is overdone.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-U.S. Relations China RCEP

10 Jun 2022

Assessing the Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia amid the COVID-19 Pandemic (2021-2022)

Wang Zheng

Data analysis from an original dataset tracking major China-financed projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Southeast Asia since January 2021 shows that China remains committed to boosting BRI projects’ progress.

ASEAN-China Relations Belt and Road Initiative

3 Jun 2022

‘Doomed to Fail’: Chinese Media Dismisses the U.S.’s ASEAN Diplomacy

Wang Zheng

Chinese state media have negatively portrayed Washington’s recent moves to court ASEAN diplomatically and economically, but the one-sided narrative that Beijing trots out belies the region’s careful reception of both great powers amidst their growing rivalry.

ASEAN-China Relations China-U.S. Relations Diplomacy Indo-Pacfic

6 May 2022

The Liberal Order’s Illiberal Turn: Implications for Southeast Asia

Lee Sue-Ann

The clash of online opinions surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reveals support for pro-Russia, pro-Putin narratives in Southeast Asia. Untangling why such rhetoric is attractive points to deep dissatisfaction with the existing liberal international order. Southeast Asia can play a part in helping the world avoid worse alternatives.

ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-U.S. Relations International Relations Russia Ukraine

12 Apr 2022

Russia’s War Against Ukraine: Why Hard Power Matters

James Bosbotinis

Russia's invasion of Ukraine provides the context for Washington to strengthen its alliances and partnerships across the Asia-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-Russia Relations ASEAN-U.S. Relations Security Ukraine