ASEAN

RCEP against China's vulnerability

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the largest trade agreement in the world, enters into force in January 2022. RCEP is part of China’s larger push to regionalize trade, secure supply chains in its neighborhood, and thereby reduce its vulnerability to supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions. RCEP also aims to open new markets for Chinese companies in the region. Establishing a level playing field and higher environment and labor standards are not RCEP’s top priority: in these areas it lags behind China’s existing trade agreements with developed economies.

By Redaktion Table

Xi at ASEAN summit: China does not seek hegemony

By Amelie Richter

Kamala Harris: the US is a power in the Indo-Pacific

US Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Singapore and Vietnam to promote her government's credibility in Southeast Asia following criticism of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Her advances are apparently taking root, as the People's Republic of China has lost a lot of trust with its uncompromising behavior in the South China Sea.

By Marcel Grzanna

China and India: two giants with a fragile relationship

China and India have just ended months of skirmishes on their border. For decades they have distrusted and misunderstood each other. India is now cooperating more with the US in the Quad grouping – to Beijing's displeasure. But Delhi says this is far from an alliance. India has always insisted on strategic independence.

By Christiane Kuehl