Do the Economic Ties between ASEAN and China Affect Their Strategic Partnership?

Abstract

Economic cooperation is a key thrust area of ASEAN-China’s vision on strategic partnership. Besides promoting two-way trade in goods and services, increasing attention is being paid to raising FDI and building infrastructure in ASEAN countries. This paper reviews the progress of ASEAN-China economic relations and discusses some concerns around such engagement. It concludes that while China’s increasing attention towards small ASEAN members is well appreciated, the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 should nevertheless be mindful of ASEAN members’ trade deficit concerns and of their fear of losing policy autonomy due to economic overdependence on China.