Narratives and Actions Regarding the Belt and Road Initiative in ASEAN Countries

Abstract

In contrast with countries such as the United States, Japan, India and Australia (the Indo-Pacific Quad), the ASEAN countries are in general in favour of a consolidated cooperation with China in the framework of the BRI. In spite of the territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, they put first their own economic development and strategic interests, therefore China is a relevant partner for all of them. They have a pro-growth and pro-development agenda and with the exception of Singapore, all of them need additional resources to finance the implementation of their national development and modernisation plans. They follow their national interest and have the ability to negotiate with strong partners, even with China. They support the BRI as a multilateral initiative led by multiple actors, are members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and are currently negotiating, implementing or supporting projects under the BRI. Bearing in mind these arguments, the present paper has as main goal an overview of China’s relations with its ASEAN neighbours under the impact of the BRI.

Keywords

• belt and road initiative
• asean
• economic diversification
• infrastructure development
• negotiation