While the U.S. pays lip service to the notion that ASEAN is at the core of the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. actions show it is side-stepping to another direction. By contrast, China’s attitude toward Southeast Asia looks much more sincere.

The idea that ASEAN countries rely on the U.S. for security and on China for economy may be overstated. What is true is that they benefit from cooperation with China under the principle of mutual benefit and reciprocity, and they don’t want to rock the boat.

ASEAN has long been a platform for dialogue and multilateralism in Asia. But it now must refocus on leadership development and proactive cooperation in order to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the ASEAN region.

The integrated bloc means an improved strategic environment to China’s south. Among other things, war has been eliminated and two-way economic ties have become closer. As a result, ASEAN has become China’s largest trading partner, eclipsing the European Union.

While other parts of the world struggle to manage the pandemic, East Asian leaders show dexterity and forward-thinking in recent pandemic responses and partnership summits.

As the president of the Republic of Korea reaches the halfway mark of his tenure, he has acquired some valuable experience for helping bring peace to the peninsula. It’s time to shift into high gear.

The US’ absence at the recent East Asia Summit sent a powerful message to Southeast Asia, a region whose massive population, stellar economic growth, and strategic location would make it a crucial theater. The US may be able to recover, but it must act swiftly – and soon.

The ASEAN Summit this year delivered an inclusive and progressive road map for further cooperation. Six macro-level upgrades were presented.

Recent statements by the EU on the issue of the South China Sea only serve to fan the flames of the dispute and put the valuable EU-China relationship at risk. The EU should reject manipulation by the United States, as well as internal anti-Chinese sentiment, to clear the way for ASEAN’s leadership in resolving the issue.

The status of the conflict in the South China Sea has moved from concerning to critical, as reflected by the changing ASEAN rhetoric concerning the topic. The future of the South China Sea remains dependent on how China and other claimants proceed.