BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

CHINA-ASEAN RELATIONS: TRENDS AND ISSUES

Author: Md. Jahan Sholeb

DOI Link: DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.36888/BIISSj2013v34n1a3

ABSTRACT

Asia-Pacific region is an important part of the globe as competing interests of big powers often generate conflict to the ground. Over the past decade, the world has witnessed rapid development between Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China. Historically China tries to maintain a very good relation with its neighbouring countries. When China was the middle kingdom in 1300A.D.-1900 A.D., it maintained a very close tie with its neighbours. China is rising again as a formidable global power; and its rise is one of the most critical developments in the contemporary world. In the eve of rising, China gives value to the relationship with the ASEAN. Since the beginning of ASEAN in 1967, China maintained relations with the regional association. However, it was the late 1980s that China started to intensify its efforts to establish diplomatic relations with ASEAN member states. In recent years, both are closer to each other than before. Even though, differences exist between the two; for example, the case of South China Sea. Their relations are more focused on economic cooperation; however, strategic partnerships continue. This paper studies phase-wise trends, and critical issues of China-ASEAN relations.