China-ASEAN ties pivotal for regional peace, stability

For over three and a half decades, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have nurtured a relationship that has blossomed into a productive engagement. The two sides have enjoyed comprehensive engagement across political, economic and cultural domains.

As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of China-ASEAN relations, it is fitting to reflect on how this remarkable relationship has evolved over time and become the linchpin for peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Even before formal dialogues began, China and ASEAN had worked closely to help resolve the Cambodian issue through both multilateral and bilateral channels. China expressed its interest in closer cooperation at the 1991 ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and became a full dialogue partner in 1996.

The relationship entered a new phase in 2003 when the two sides signed the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity at the ASEAN-China Summit in Bali, Indonesia. China became the first major power to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, underscoring its commitment to regional peace and cooperation.

The relationship continued to expand in the following years. China established a free trade area with ASEAN in January 2010 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN in November 2021.

We are living in a fragile and dangerous world, and there is an urgent need for innovative approaches to peace and security so that international relations — especially among major powers such as the United States and China — are more predictable and constructive. The global community must unite to reduce tensions, promote cooperation, and create a climate of friendliness conducive to a stable global system.

For China and ASEAN to continue as a compelling force for peace and stability, both sides must commit to creating an environment conducive to development and prosperity. This requires sustained efforts from all stakeholders, where nations aspire to coexist in harmony despite their historical differences, levels of national development, foreign policies or the pursuit of national interests.

Regional peace, stability and prosperity will depend on China and ASEAN translating their comprehensive strategic partnership into practical cooperation. By fulfilling existing commitments and tackling shared challenges over the next decade, both sides can turn this shared vision into tangible outcomes.

To safeguard regional peace and prosperity, China and ASEAN must jointly tackle key challenges.

First, the rapid economic growth in recent years has changed the regional balance of power.

Such transitions are often accompanied by tensions and anxieties which can lead to mistrust and conflict. China and ASEAN must carefully manage this transition to preserve peace, maintain stability, and build trust and mutual respect.

Second, the international system is remarkably diverse and complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to peace and security.

China and ASEAN should recognize and accept different approaches to peace and security and forge a collaborative approach to address common security issues.

Third, unresolved territorial disputes and other security hot spots — such as the South China Sea issue, the Ukraine conflict, the Myanmar crisis, hostilities in the Middle East and the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand — pose risks to peace and stability.

Misunderstanding and miscalculation could spark a conflagration that could undermine the peace in the region and beyond.

China and ASEAN should strengthen international cooperation, join hands to defuse potential conflicts and pave the way for a more stable regional and global system. Fourth, China and ASEAN should uphold internationally recognized norms and principles of peaceful coexistence, which rest upon international law. This includes respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, and equality and mutual benefit. Peaceful coexistence rejects power politics and advocates for principles that recognize the existence of all countries on an equal basis.

Over the past 35 years, China-ASEAN relations have witnessed remarkable progress in various fields such as politics, economics, security, culture and health. The frequent interactions and close cooperation between the two sides have yielded fruitful results that exceeded expectations, benefiting the peoples of China and ASEAN countries alike.

No one can tell what the future holds, but for now, the destiny of Asia hinges on China and ASEAN making wise choices and building a productive China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

On the 35th anniversary of their relations, we extend our sincere congratulations to China and ASEAN on their fruitful relationship and wish the two sides further success as they strive to maintain regional peace and stability, boost their respective national development and regional growth amid existing and emerging challenges.

Pou Sothirak is the former minister of Industry, Mines and Energy of Cambodia and a distinguished senior adviser to the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies; and Him Rotha is the deputy director of the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies.

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