FridayOL

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Renowned American economist Jeffrey Sachs has sparked considerable discussion within Asean, suggesting the regional bloc should strategically favour closer ties with China if compelled to choose a side in the intensifying competition between the United States and China. In a recent statement, Sachs argued that prioritising relations with China would be the more beneficial course of action for Asean member states.

The statement comes at a time when geopolitical tensions between the US and China are escalating, impacting global trade, technology, and security. Asean, comprising ten diverse nations, has traditionally pursued a policy of neutrality and non-interference in great power rivalries. However, the growing pressure to align with either the US or China is forcing the bloc to reconsider its approach.

Sachs's reasoning centres on China's significant economic importance to Asean. China is a major trading partner and investor for many Asean countries, and its economic growth has been a key driver of regional prosperity. Sachs believes that severing or significantly reducing economic ties with China to appease the US would be detrimental to Asean's economic development. He highlighted China's commitment to regional development initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, which has provided substantial infrastructure investment across Southeast Asia.

“Asean should choose its neighbour, which is China,” Sachs stated, emphasizing the practical and economic advantages of maintaining strong relations with Beijing. He acknowledged the importance of the US as a global power but argued that Asean’s long-term interests are better served by focusing on its immediate geographic and economic ties.

However, Sachs’s suggestion is not without its complexities. Many Asean member states have also cultivated strong relationships with the US, relying on American security assistance, investment, and diplomatic support. A definitive shift towards China could alienate the US and potentially trigger a backlash. Furthermore, some within Asean express concerns about China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and its human rights record.

The challenge for Asean lies in navigating this delicate balance. Maintaining neutrality while simultaneously benefiting from both the US and China’s economic and political influence requires careful diplomacy and strategic planning. Some analysts suggest that Asean should pursue a strategy of “hedging,” maintaining engagement with both powers while safeguarding its own autonomy and interests.

The debate surrounding Asean's stance on the US-China competition underscores the importance of the region's role in the evolving global order. Asean’s ability to maintain unity and pursue its own strategic interests will be crucial in shaping the future of Southeast Asia and its relationship with the world's two major powers. The coming months will likely see increased efforts by both the US and China to woo Asean, further complicating the bloc's strategic calculations.

Ultimately, Sachs's call for Asean to prioritise China serves as a stark reminder of the economic realities underpinning the geopolitical competition and the difficult choices facing the region.