Asean urged to strengthen its role amid US-China rivalry

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations should do more than simply avoid choosing sides in the rivalry between the United States and China, according to an analysis published by the South China Morning Post. The commentary follows a meeting in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. It says neither leader chose confrontation during the encounter and describes the resulting state of relations as an uneasy truce.

The article says both governments have a strong incentive to prevent their economic competition from escalating beyond control. It argues that even limited understandings between Washington and Beijing can reduce risks in areas including artificial intelligence. The analysis refers to what China calls “constructive strategic stability” and presents the absence of confrontation at the meeting as a positive development.

It does not, however, set out a specific Asean policy or list measures the regional grouping should adopt. Nor does the supplied material provide details of agreements reached at the meeting. Its central argument is that a period of reduced tension between the two major powers may be useful, but that Asean should pursue a more active role than merely declining to align with either side.