The article is written by two writers, Fenna Egberink and Dr. Franz Paul. They wrote this article on ASEAN and strategic rivalry among the great powers in Asia. The article is written by two writers, Fenna Egberink and Dr. Franz Paul. They wrote this article on ASEAN and strategic rivalry among the great powers in Asia.
In the introduction, the authors explain how ASEAN (a group of 10 Southeast Asian countries) has helped to maintain peace and cooperation among the big and powerful countries in Asia, such as China, Japan, India, and the US. The authors think that ASEAN has done this by creating forums and platforms where these countries can talk and work together on regional issues such as security and trade.
ASEAN and China:
China has become a more powerful and important country in Asia, and every Southeast Asian country wants a friendly relationship with China. These countries are also worried about China, thinking it might become too dominant and aggressive, especially in the South China Sea.
ASEAN and Sino-US:
China and America both want to win over Southeast Asia. China is trying to win through charm and money, while the US wants to stop him from being too strong and aggressive in the South China Sea. But the Southeast Asian countries want friendly relations with both China and the US. ASEAN doesn’t care how China and the US deal with each other. They themselves have big issues, like Taiwan, and ASEAN is unable to resolve that issue.
ASEAN and Sino-Japanese:
In the article, the two authors have also explained Sino-Japanese relations and how they are competing with each other in different areas such as economy, leadership, and territory. Japan is also allied with the US, making it more difficult to join Asia. The authors are telling us how ASEAN is playing a role to calm down the situation between them and where ASEAN is unable to play his role.
ASEAN and Sino-India:
The authors have also explained the relationship between China and India and the role of ASEAN. India isn’t as powerful and influential as China. China and India have some problems with each other, especially over their border and the sea. India has made some security agreements with some ASEAN countries and has joined some regional groups that ASEAN leads. Southeast Asia is very important for both countries due to their strategies and interests.
Conclusion:
Fenna Egberink and Dr. Franz Paul’s article discusses how ASEAN has fostered peace and collaboration among major Asian powers. It explores ASEAN’s role in managing relations with China, the Sino-US competition, Sino-Japanese relations, and Sino-Indian dynamics. The authors highlight both ASEAN’s successes in promoting dialogue and cooperation and its limitations in resolving complex issues. Overall, the article sheds light on ASEAN’s efforts to navigate strategic rivalries in Asia.
The writer is a student of “International Relations” at “International Islamic University Islamabad”