Courting America without getting China in a tizz

ASEAN'S DILEMMA

Courting America without getting China in a tizz

Published: 21/10/2011 at 02:14 AM
Newspaper section: News

As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations prepares to hold its annual talkfest next month with Asia-Pacific powers at the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bali, attention will be focused on the two central powers: China and the United States.

From conducting exercises in Hong Kong harbour (above), the Chinese navy has now graduated to asserting itself in the South China Sea, to the growing dismay of Southeast Asian countries. China’s military assertiveness is forcing Asean into the arms of the United States.

For the US, this is the first time it will partake in the regional EAS at the leader level, represented by President Barack Obama.

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Writer: Amitav Acharya

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jamjon01
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Discussion 1 : 21/10/2011 at 07:35 PM1
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Yes, a daunting challenge--If not impossible. China sees itself as "owning" you, and China likes to "own" everything. The price you pay might be more than you will ever expect and too late, unfortunately. Especially with all the natural disasters in S.E. Asia and the need for funding to reconstruct. A loan here, a loan there--a political appointment here, another there--A gift here, another coming(always)....Is Singapore an honest tribunal to even listen to these days? Just Say'N....................
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Courting America without getting China in a tizz | Bangkok Post: opinion