The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) adheres to the ASEAN Way, a policy of mutual non-interference and consensus decision-making among its 10 member states. Despite their declarations of unity and unanimity, this consensus-driven approach often poses coordination challenges, particularly in managing their multifaceted relationship with the People's Republic of China (PRC). This is further complicated by the member states' desire to maintain neutrality between the PRC and the United States as global superpowers. In light of growing global tensions, Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian (NUS Political Science) explores this complexity in ‘Herding Cats: Coordination Challenges in ASEAN's Approach to China’ (China Review, 2023).

The author claims that in popular media, a popular descriptor of ASEAN policy towards Beijing is “hedging”, which implies a coherent strategy that is primarily risk mitigatory by nature. For instance, most member states largely agree in extensive trade cooperation with the PRC, as exemplified by the success of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area agreement and the initiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). In other domains however, ASEAN’s behaviour should be described as “ambivalent”, since nation states tend to prioritise their own self interest and hence do not act as a collective. This haphazard approach is seen across key issues such as the South China Sea (SCS) conflict, where members differ on how strongly they wish to stake their claims and interests.  There is hence a contradiction between ASEAN’s stated statements and intentions and the actual actions of member states, when they tend to fall short on stated intentions.

Associate Professor Chong offers several reasons for ASEAN's varied approach in coordinating with the PRC. Some argue that current frictions in the South China Sea are merely teething problems that will eventually smooth out, similar to the improved relations seen in trade and security, such as during Vietnam's invasion and occupation of Cambodia. Additionally, ASEAN has shown greater success in issues where member states have shared focal points.

In a period marked by tense global relationships, such as the Russian-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict, it is crucial for ASEAN member states to resolve their differences and develop a shared vision through a consensus model. This approach is necessary to avoid provocations with an increasingly assertive PRC in an ever-globalising world, and ensures that Southeast Asia remains a stable and secure region.

Read the article here.