Managing relations with China
As a grouping that is built upon political and economic foundations, member
countries of ASEAN and indeed ASEAN as a whole, has favoured
accommodation rather than risk confrontation with China. This position is
founded on the perception that, as echoed by the noted Sinologist, CP.
Fitzgerald, Chinese influence, culture, and power have always been moving
southwards throughout history. In its choice of an appropriate position to be
taken in regard to China, ASEAN has always considered China's economic
activism as acceptable but not its military posturing.