Challenges and Breakthroughs in Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation

　　Abstract: The Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation is an economic initiative conceived within the China-ASEAN “10+1” structure. Together with the Greater Mekong Subregion development cooperation, this initiative spells out the new arrangement between China and ASEAN in regional economic cooperation. The Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation centers on maritime cooperation, covers a large region, and has enormous potential, but the challenges it poses are equally huge. So far, breakthroughs were made in specific projects: the Nanning-Singapore Corridor, China investing and participating in Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, Beibu Gulf Economic Rim, etc, will eventually benefit all member states. The Guangxi Beibu Gulf economic zone needs to seize the initiative to rise above its challenges to become a core part of the Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation. The US$10 billion fund proposed by China to support infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia will bring historic opportunities to cooperation in the Pan-Beibu Gulf region.