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China-Asean relations

China-Asean relations
The latest news, analysis and opinion on China-Asean relations. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Illustration: Pearl Law
South China Sea

South China Sea: is Beijing’s code of conduct ‘milestone’ progress or a tactic?

In all likelihood, the negotiations will be kicked further down the road just as in the past, analyst says.

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Asean

Myanmar earthquake: can Asean step up to fill US aid vacuum?

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Cambodia

Chinese upgrades to Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base ‘aimed at de-risking supply chains’

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US-China trade war

Will Trump tariffs open door for China to improve ties with Vietnam?

The ‘very damaging’ move could take a heavy toll on the country and may prompt Hanoi to move to boost economic ties with its neighbour.

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The tariffs could hit US firms with manufacturing operations based in Vietnam. Photo: EPA-EFE
Asean

Opinion | 3 ways Asean can survive Trump’s tariff war – and 4 ways China can help

Amid escalating global trade tensions, Southeast Asian nations must stick together and diversify their options to mitigate external shocks.

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China-Philippines relations

Mounting China-Philippine spy cases risk rattling economic relations

Chinese firms might consider the atmosphere ‘not friendly enough’ to continue investing in the Philippines, analyst says.

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Espionage

China detains 3 Philippine nationals on suspicion of spying

State media publishes images of the trio being questioned by the police after Manila detained a number of alleged Chinese spies.

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State media published pictures of the three alleged spies. Photo: CCTV
US-China trade war

Vietnam helped China’s firms avoid US tariffs. Trump just put an end to that

The US president’s reciprocal tariffs not only impose steep tariffs on China, but also popular transshipping destinations used by Chinese exporters.

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China trade

How Malaysia became the engine powering China’s AI ambitions

China’s tech giants are rushing to build data centres in Malaysia, which offers cheap energy and access to cutting-edge chips.

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South China Sea

South China Sea: poor diplomacy and deep mistrust may spark crisis, expert warns

Region is in ‘stable tension’, analyst tells Boao Forum. ‘We already have so many actors in the region … It’s so crowded, this place’.

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Analyst Lucio Pitlo says the situation in the South China Sea, particularly in light of China-Philippines clashes, is becoming “untenable”. Photo: AFP
China trade

Lao Airlines cruising to first C909 – a milestone for the made-in-China aircraft

China’s aircraft manufacturer continues spreading its wings abroad with fresh deals to supply passenger jets to Asian neighbours.

This China-made C909 will operate in Laos and have 90 seats. Photo: CCTV
Singapore

Exclusive | China woos the neighbours, with Xi said to be planning 3-country tour in April

The Chinese leader is expected to spend three days in Malaysia as well as visit Vietnam and Cambodia.

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Myanmar

Chinese embassy fears further casualties from deadly Myanmar earthquake

The country’s embassy said it had received hundreds of requests for help following the magnitude 7.7 quake that killed at least 1,700 people.

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Myanmar

Myanmar earthquake: China makes emergency aid pledge after Xi calls junta chief

Beijing pledges US$13.8 million and sends emergency rescue team after Friday’s magnitude 7.7 quake killed more than 1,000 people.

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Members of the Chinese rescue team pictured at Yangon airport. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

Is this the ‘best time’ for China to win friends in its backyard?

Now is the time for Beijing to show ‘geopolitical magnanimity’ on tough issues like the South China Sea, Malaysian global affairs expert says.

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Beijing has long-standing territorial disputes with several countries over the South China Sea. Photo: EPA-EFE
US-China relations

Opinion | Why the US could lose more ground in Southeast Asia

While the US remains Asean’s biggest investor, its investment in core infrastructure is limited. Meanwhile, China makes its presence felt.

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Diplomacy

Editorial | Red carpet for Asean visitors the right step

Easing visa formalities for frequent business travellers from this important trading bloc will serve Hong Kong well.

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Asean

Macroscope | Southeast Asia’s new arms race undermines its regional strengths

As Asean members modernise their militaries, the bloc could be sacrificing its cherished norms of stability and consensus.

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Filipino soldiers march at a military airbase in San Fernando city, in the Philippines, during a visit by Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani on February 23. Photo: EPA-EFE
Xinjiang

Xinjiang’s ‘cultural harmony’ praised as Thai ministers visit deported Uygurs

Xinjiang Communist Party chief Ma Xingrui hosts high-level Thai delegation as part of a deal struck when Bangkok agreed to send back 40 Uygurs.

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Indonesia

Indonesia and Vietnam to seal maritime deal – will China respond?

Indonesia’s parliament is set to sign an agreement to formalise maritime boundaries with Vietnam next month.

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China consumption

Are cheap Indonesian durians about to flood the Chinese market?

Indonesia’s huge fruit industry is preparing to begin exporting durians to China, threatening the dominance of Thai and Vietnamese growers.

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China is by far the world’s largest importer of durians, with Thailand supplying more than half of its total imports last year. Photo: Getty Images
US-China relations

US-China rivalry forcing Southeast Asia to pick sides, congressional panel hears

Washington urged to adopt a sector-by-sector approach to the region, shaping its choices before Beijing does.

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The intensifying rivalry between the US and China has forced Southeast Asian countries to manage their relationships with the two economic giants carefully. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong rolls out smoother entry policy for invited Asean professionals

Scheme allows event attendees and those who can contribute to local economy to make multiple trips to Hong Kong over three-year period.

Diplomacy

Opinion | In today’s changing world order, the best hedge is agility

As great power rivalries intensify, collective action and strategic diversification can help others boost influence and avoid dependence.

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China trade

China lays track for stronger regional relations through railway lines

China’s neighbours in Southeast and Central Asia have begun construction or made agreements on cross-border railway projects, bolstering bilateral ties.

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Railway projects between China and its Asian neighbours indicate a greater willingness for deeper bilateral ties and overall connectivity. Photo: AFP
China airliners

Vietnam boosts China’s aviation ambitions with C909 deal move

Hanoi is reportedly paving the way to approve the country’s first deal to lease Chinese-made civilian aircraft.

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The C909 is the smallest narrowbody jet produced by Chinese aviation company Comac. Photo: EPA-EFE
Belt and Road Initiative

Macroscope | Why China’s belt and road will go from strength to strength

With rival initiatives lacking substance, Beijing’s transcontinental project is likely to expand as the US exits multilateral commitments.

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Two Sessions 2025

China hits out at US Pacific policy ‘failure’, tariffs war – as it happened

Foreign minister answers questions about strained US ties, the Ukraine war and China’s strategy in Middle East.

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