Reference News Network, July 22 report: Hong Kong's South China Morning Post website published an article titled "China Takes the Most Advantageous Position in ASEAN's Foreign Relations Through Pragmatic and Balanced Strategies" on July 19. The author is Hamza Rifaat, a visiting fellow at the Stimson Center in the United States. Excerpts are as follows:

There is no indication that President Donald Trump will back down on his tariff policies.

His latest round of tariffs will take effect on August 1, which is very bad news for Southeast Asia. Japan and South Korea, America's two closest allies in Asia, will face a 25% tariff on goods exported to the US; while Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar will face tariffs ranging from 25% to 40%.

All these countries' economies depend on exports to the US. Some members of ASEAN have advocated diversifying trade partners and expanding internal ASEAN trade to hedge against risks brought by the US.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized this point earlier this month when addressing foreign ministers of ASEAN countries in Kuala Lumpur. He said, "We must strengthen our internal foundations, increase internal trade, and boost mutual investment."

For years, Beijing has been seeking a balance between maintaining regional influence and countering the US by combining diplomacy, strategic adjustments, and a shared vision, and has effectively used economic diplomacy to appease and attract ASEAN, with significant results so far.

The reason for the success is that China places the internal needs of ASEAN before equal retaliation. Earlier this year, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), led by China, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Asian Development Bank and the China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund to enhance cooperation in infrastructure development, including integrating technical assistance and building infrastructure resilient to climate impacts. Through this move, China uses its financial strength to help ASEAN countries hedge against the economic impact of Trump's protectionism, thus positioning itself as a stabilizing force.

At the same time, China and ASEAN are promoting the upgrade of the free trade area, aiming to help Southeast Asian countries address new issues such as the digital economy, green economy, and supply chain connectivity. In addition, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership also reflects both sides' commitment to multilateralism.

China's proactive response to the economic needs of Southeast Asian countries contrasts sharply with Trump's reckless approach, which is pushing the region toward uncertainty and turmoil.

Safety issues cannot be ignored either. During the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, host Malaysia revealed that China has agreed to sign the Treaty of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, restricting nuclear activities in the region to peaceful purposes. This allows Beijing to demonstrate its role as a nuclear non-proliferation advocate, while the US has yet to sign the treaty.

China's actions on this core ASEAN issue, along with the economic impact of Trump's tariffs, have further enhanced China's image as a reliable actor in Southeast Asia.

Evidently, balance is the best strategy for China. This strategy has not only successfully maintained its influence in Southeast Asia but also effectively resisted American pressure. (Translated by Guo Jun)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7529746151559316009/

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