ASEAN has always endeavoured to maintain a neutral stance between China and the USA. Taking sides in the midst of great power rivalry does not bode well for smaller and middle powers that share economic and security ties with both the USA and China.
In this Nikkei Asian Review article, Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman of the SIIA, said that “there must be caution not to overly depend on China or allow it to dominate. ASEAN must try to preserve its strategic space between the great powers.” Read the full article here – https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Comment/Japan-must-cement-ties-with-ASEAN-in-health-care-security
