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Geographical proximity, along with cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties, has forged a resilient bond between China and its Southeast Asian neighbours. The collaborative efforts of Chinese and Filipino citizens, particularly in addressing global challenges like climate change, exemplify the strides made in building a community with a shared future.
Vianca Encarnacion, a survivor of super typhoon Haiyan, seized an opportunity to contribute to climate resilience in her home country, the Philippines. Alongside 17 other Filipino students, she received a scholarship from Jiuquan Vocational Technical College in China’s Gansu province, thanks to the initiatives of environmental activist Wang Xiaojun. This scholarship program underscores China’s commitment to training young talent from climate-vulnerable nations and reflects its status as a major player in clean energy development.
The collaboration between China and Southeast Asian countries goes beyond education and extends to diplomatic efforts. Muhammad Habib Abiyan Dzakwan, a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta, highlights China’s active role in ASEAN’s community-building endeavours. China’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in 2003 marked a significant step, in establishing a strategic partnership with ASEAN. By joining the TAC, China reinforced the principles of peaceful coexistence and cooperation, becoming a stakeholder in ASEAN’s community-building process.
In commemorating the 20th anniversary of China’s accession to the TAC, the Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Hou Yanqi, emphasized the importance of upholding the spirit of the treaty. She urged support for ASEAN community building, emphasizing that the region should not be viewed as an arena for major power rivalry.
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Korn Dabbaransi, notes that the TAC serves as a foundation for a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future. Beyond the TAC, the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 has further strengthened relations. This partnership underscores the commitment to maintaining ASEAN centrality, mutual respect, and a rules-based multilateral trading system.
As China and ASEAN continue to foster cooperation, their collaborative efforts in education, diplomacy, and addressing global challenges exemplify the progress made in building a community with a shared future. Geopolitical proximity and a commitment to common principles pave the way for sustainable and inclusive regional development.