Strategic Competition between China and the U.S. in Southeast Asia: ASEAN’s Essential Role

Abstract

Sino-US Competition is seen shifting focus to Southeast Asia where geostrategic importance and economic potential are attracting increased attention from both China and America. As the premier regional organization, ASEAN is expected to manage this rivalry while at the same time protecting the sovereign rights of its members alongside that of regional security. China’s BRI and the increasing economic strength challenge the United States Indo-Pacific strategy and security partnerships where ASEAN is immersed. ASEAN is strategically located in the middle of an emerging Sino-U.S. rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region and has become the focus of this emerging bipolarity. In its attempt to balance power between China and the United States, ASEAN has adopted a privileged position and leverage to organize and influence regional forces. ASEAN’s principle of not taking sides through being a non-aligned organization and the practice of consensus the group can have strategic partnerships with different parties of the great powers without siding with any. However, it is found that ASEAN has problems in terms of cohesion because of the difference in the priorities of the member states and the impact of the external actor. The paper analyzed ASEAN’s approach to engaging the Sino-US competition, as well as its positive possibility for stabilizing the conflict and negative one for the possibility of its marginalization or division. Therefore, using the analysis of diplomatic, economic, and strategic functions of ASEAN, the study stresses its significance as the key player supporting the rules-based order and sustainable development of the Indo-Pacific region.

Keywords:  ASEAN, Sino-US Competition, BRI, China, The United States