On 9 March 2021, Amb. Pou Sothirak, CICP Executive Director joined the Jakarta forum organized by CSIS Indonesia to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China relations. During the discussions on experience, lessons learnt, strategic partnership and ways forward for the relationship of ASEAN-China, Amb. Pou Sothirak asked three questions to the panelists:
– Why is the ASEAN Way is less effective in engaging China more strategically? And what is the basis of claims that China has the upper hand from the ASEAN – Strategic Partnership?
– Will the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea be ratified by both ASEAN China in the near future? What will be the shape and form of this COC?
– There are surveys finding that some ASEAN Member States do not trust China wholesomely. Does China trust all ASEAN Member States equally?
