It should be noted that even with formal ties with KL Bangkok and Manila starting from the 1970s, relations were not particularly cordial. The crux of the matter was China's relations with Indonesia, the big brother of ASEAN, Reason: attempted coup by indonesian Communist Party (ICP) 1965. Allegedly, China was involved in supporting the ICP.In addition, residual links with the ethnic Chinese minority, the so- called fifth columnists, could pose problems. China found it difficult to resume officiels ties with Indonesia after they were broken off in 1967. The China posed threat to the security of Indonesia impeded progress in the bilateral relations until the 1980s,