ASEAN Views of and Policy Responses to China’s Rise

　　Abstract: China’s rise has already become the single most important factor impacting the international status quo in the 21st century. Shockwaves created by China’s rise first and foremost will generate an intense response in Asia, especially in the ASEAN states which neighbor China to the south and maintain extremely close political, economic and cultural ties with it. Based on a review of both Chinese and international literature and applying mainstream analytical methods from the international relations disciple, this article considers the perceptions and possible reactions of ASEAN states to China’s rise.The article argues that there exists a considerable difference of opinion among ASEAN states regarding China’s rise. Three representative schools of thought can be identified: (1) the China Threat Theory; (2) the China Opportunity Theory; and (3) the China Friendship Theory.These three schools of thought each correspond to a different policy approach: contain, bind or re-mold China.Given the complexity and pluralistic nature of responses to China’s rise within ASEAN, China must recalibrate its policy towards Southeast Asia towards proactively transforming negative responses to its rise into positive responses.To the greatest extent possible, China must also reduce barriers to bilateral diplomatic relations as a means of promoting comprehensiveharmonious relations between China and Southeast Asia.

　　About the Author:Yu Changsen is an Associate Professor in the School of Asia-Pacific Studies at Sun Yat-sen University