Miscalculation in US-China relations could draw Asean into serious conflict: PM Lee
[JAKARTA] Amid simmering tensions between the world’s two largest economies, South-east Asian leaders are concerned that a miscalculation in diplomatic relations between the US and China could draw the region into a serious conflict.
The role of the US has become “more critical in this troubled phase in geopolitics”, said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday (Sep 6) at a meeting between leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and US Vice-President Kamala Harris.
PM Lee relayed the same concerns to Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a separate summit, with the US and China urged to “show leadership to address a whole range of global issues”.
“Asean has a direct interest since tensions could easily stoke existing flashpoints in the region and undermine the peace, prosperity and stability that we have all enjoyed for decades. It’s crucial for both countries to continue dialogue, build strategic trust at all levels and strive for greater cooperation,” said PM Lee at the Asean-China Summit in Jakarta.
Stronger ties
Asean has been finding itself increasingly being pulled in different directions as tensions continue to mount between US and China, both of which vie for influence over the regional bloc.
Asean’s response to this geostrategic situation is to strengthen its ties with all major powers, said PM Lee at the Asean-US Summit.
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On this front, PM Lee said he welcomed efforts by the present US administration to enhance cooperation with Asean, such as the establishment of a new US-Asean centre in Washington, which was announced by Harris on Wednesday.
He also said that the comprehensive strategic partnership between US and Asean that was launched last year provides the platform to further improve relations, and encouraged the US to host more high-level engagements.
As for China, PM Lee said the economic links between both Asean and China will continue to grow, especially with the region upgrading its relationship with China into a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free trade agreement coming into effect this year.
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During the meeting with Li, he also said that Asean and China could extend their cooperation on air transport and the digital economy.
The American and Chinese leaders had earlier reaffirmed their commitments towards this region at their respective summits. Li said that cooperation between Asean and China will be “as firm as ever”, while Harris said that Asean is at the centre of US commitments to the Indo-Pacific region.
Territorial disputes
The meetings took place a week after China’s newly-released territorial map – which features a “10-dash line” with an additional dash to the east of Taiwan – had further stoked tensions with some Asean member states.
The usual nine-dash line, which China had used to stake its claim over disputed territories in the area, has been the source of diplomatic tension with other Asean claimant states.
Li did not comment on the new map at the summit, instead focusing on how both regions have always enjoyed a long-standing partnership.
“No matter how the international situation evolves, China and Asean have maintained close exchanges and communication, respected each other’s development path and accommodated each other’s major concerns,” he said.
PM Lee said that China and Asean should intensify efforts to conclude a code of conduct that is in accordance with universally agreed, recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea, and safeguards the rights and interests of all parties.
Myanmar crisis
The lack of progress over bringing a resolution to the Myanmar crisis was also discussed at the Asean-US summit.
Harris said that Washington will continue to press the military regime to end the violence. The US will also continue to support Asean’s main guiding principle for a resolution, which is known as the five-point consensus.
PM Lee acknowledged the US’ concerns and added that Asean was “deeply disappointed” at the lack of progress in implementing the five-point consensus.
“We will continue to work with the US and other external partners to urge and press the Myanmar military authorities to fully implement the five-point consensus and improve the situation within their own country, for their own people,” he said.
In a statement on Tuesday, Asean leaders had decided to pass over Myanmar’s turn to take up the rotating chairmanship of the group in 2026. Taking Myanmar’s place that year will be the Philippines.
Other diplomatic developments
It was a packed schedule in Jakarta as Asean’s leaders also had separate summits with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
With the recent upgrade of relations between Asean and Japan to a comprehensive strategic partnership, PM Lee said that both economies can use this as a platform to expand engagement on areas such as cybersecurity, climate change and connectivity.
He said that Japan and Asean should work towards an open, inclusive and interoperable digital ecosystem, which would support the bloc’s efforts to conclude the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
On connectivity, PM Lee said both sides should aim to conclude the Asean-Japan Air Services Agreement, which will boost economic and people-to-people ties. They should also work together in infrastructure development and financing, given Japan’s strengths in these areas.
At the meeting with Yoon, PM Lee said that Asean and South Korea could strengthen their partnership through economic cooperation, especially in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, financial technology and cybersecurity. One key priority is the proposed upgrade of the free trade area between both economies.
On Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Asean leaders will gather in Melbourne in March 2024 for a special summit to commemorate 50 years of relations with Australia.
In a speech in Jakarta, he also spoke about a new investment strategy for the region, with an initial A$95.4 million (S$83 million) package to fund investment deal teams, internships and support for Australian companies looking to grow in South-east Asia.
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