Building Influence and Identity in ASEAN
China’s engagement with ASEAN is a complex and evolving relationship that reflects both strategic interests and an evolving regional identity. The dynamics of this interaction can be best understood through the dual lenses of realism and constructivism. On one hand, China’s approach is grounded in pragmatic calculations about power, security, and influence. On the other hand, it involves efforts to shape norms, build shared understandings, and foster a cooperative regional environment. These perspectives, though different in emphasis, coexist in China’s broader policy toward Southeast Asia.
From the realist standpoint, China’s behavior in the region is primarily driven by national interest and the desire to preserve and expand its influence. This is most evident in its economic initiatives and its assertive stance on territorial issues. China has invested heavily in infrastructure and trade across ASEAN countries through mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative. This effort serves to enhance its economic reach, secure key supply chains, and foster dependency relationships that reinforce its position as a regional power. China’s trade with ASEAN has grown significantly in the past decade, making the bloc its largest trading partner. This economic integration allows China to increase its influence in policymaking and institutional alignment within the region.
Yet this realist posture is not without its challenges. One of the most contentious issues in China-ASEAN relations is the South China Sea. China’s sweeping territorial claims and its activities in disputed waters have created friction with several ASEAN states, notably Vietnam and the Philippines. These tensions illustrate the realist concern with power projection and security. For Beijing, controlling the South China Sea has strategic value, not only for natural resources and maritime routes but also for regional dominance. For smaller ASEAN states, these actions are perceived as a threat to sovereignty and regional stability. The result is a delicate balancing act, where ASEAN countries seek to benefit economically from relations with China while simultaneously hedging against its growing military assertiveness.
In contrast, the constructivist perspective focuses on the role of identity, norms, and shared understandings in shaping China’s regional engagement. China has made concerted efforts to build a narrative of peaceful rise and regional harmony. Through cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, and people-to-people initiatives, China projects an image of a responsible and cooperative neighbor. Programs that promote Chinese language learning, scholarship exchanges, and media cooperation are designed to foster deeper connections and reduce mutual suspicion. These initiatives align with the idea that international relationships are not only about material interests but also about constructing shared values and regional belonging.
Furthermore, China’s participation in ASEAN-led multilateral platforms supports its constructivist approach. Forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN Plus Three mechanism offer China opportunities to engage diplomatically with the region under ASEAN’s leadership. This participation demonstrates China’s acknowledgment of ASEAN’s centrality and reflects a willingness to work within established regional norms rather than dominate them. While realpolitik still shapes many of China’s decisions, its involvement in these platforms helps ease concerns of hegemonic ambition and fosters a narrative of multilateral cooperation.
The coexistence of these realist and constructivist elements is what makes China’s ASEAN strategy so nuanced. China is not simply a power player acting unilaterally; it is also an actor attempting to legitimize its influence through engagement and shared values. This dual strategy allows Beijing to maintain a flexible and adaptive approach, asserting its interests where necessary, while also investing in long-term relationships based on mutual benefit and regional development.
However, challenges remain in reconciling these two approaches. The inconsistency between China’s cooperative rhetoric and its actions in the South China Sea undermines trust. Many ASEAN states continue to struggle with balancing their economic reliance on China with their security alliances and national interests. ASEAN, being a consensus-based organization, often finds it difficult to take a unified stance on contentious issues, which sometimes allows China to leverage bilateral ties to its advantage.
In the years ahead, China’s ability to manage this balance will be crucial. As ASEAN becomes more economically and politically significant, the region will demand a more transparent and predictable relationship with China. This will require not only strategic patience and economic commitment but also a genuine investment in building trust and shared norms. If China can align its power ambitions with regional aspirations for peace and cooperation, it may well secure a leadership role in shaping the future of Asia.
