ASEAN nations have declined an invitation to a summit in Washington on short notice. The Southeast Asian states do not want to be forced to side with the West in the conflict with Russia. This is because the balance of power in Asia tends to shift toward China.
By Frank Sieren
In January, a huge economic free-trading area will be established with the RCEP. What was intended to be a free trade agreement of the Southeast Asian confederation ASEAN, now mainly benefits China, Japan and South Korea. In this way, the People's Republic is becoming part of a regional free trade agreement for the first time.
By Christiane Kuehl
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
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 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
