Summary of the Article:
ASEAN is a new EU-like economic community which should have been established by 2015. In this article, there are three main points. First, it talks about conflicts Asian countries had which had possibly affected their union. It talks about the dispute over China's territorial claims in the South China Sea which created tension among ASEAN members specifically the Philippines and Vietnam. Second, the unfair hosting of Cambodia who sided with China during the dispute which angered many Asian countries. Lastly, Mr Minh, a Vietnamese, who is the secretary general of ASEAN aims to hold conference with negotiations with China so that they will consider the territorial claims of other nations.
My thoughts:
First of all, this topic struck me the moment I read about the dispute over South China Sea. I didn't know that ASEAN community was in danger of being together because of the dispute caused by the China. Also, it was interesting to find out about the unfair hosting of Cambodia. If I understood correctly, ASEAN community have annual conference in different Asian countries. In 2012 when Cambodia was in charge of the conference, China eagerly wanted the island in South China Sea for the oil, countries like the Philippines and Vietnam were affected negatively. During the conference, Cambodia took side with China since they were economically supported by China. This was again showing how economically strong countries can dominate one country. Even though, Cambodia knew that China was a bit greedy they still helped China during the conference. However, in 2013, Brunei was the host of the conference so I am sure the conference ran quiet fairly since Brunei is financially stable country.
Mr minh's effort to create peace in Asian countries must be appreciated. However, China has an enormous population. As a result, they require more resources so the negotiations I doubt that negotiation will be successful as it is expected to be.
URL: http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21571461-hopes-calmer-times-under-years-new-management-all-change-asean#sthash.9RoiFMxe.dpbs
I completely agree with your point that, "This was again showing how economically strong countries can dominate one country." Which is lke the richer you are the more powerful you can be. Also, China is a bully for other ASEAN members because it is so rich.
ReplyDeleteHarry, I think its interesting how you sympathize with China. Not many people these days are seeming to do that (see: Kevin's comment). My question to you would be, should ASEAN be a political group in this sense, attempting to resolve disputes, or do you believe their place is simply to remain a trade bloc? And also, to what extent is China a part of ASEAN?
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