Congressional involvement in foreign policy can cause difficulties for any U.S. administration. Recent resolutions passed regarding the South and East China Seas and their territorial disputes, although seemingly harmless, carry a deep undertone and may be thrusting the U.S. government further into a regional issue that it cares to be involved.

ASEAN has always been careful to balance the status of the major powers rather than allow the forum to indulge power games, writes Zhou Shixin. If ASEAN tries to choose sides in the forum, or seek hegemony in the region by use of the forum, it will lose the very confidence it has worked so hard to build.

As the United States continues its rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific, Southeast Asian nations continue to rely upon US influence and military strength to counterbalance China. However, China’s regional power continues to grow and the economic incentives for aligning with China far outweigh those pushing nations toward the US.

ASEAN must stop its members from fanning trouble to ensure ties between China and Southeast Asian countries prosper.

The Boao Forum for Asia in China serves to promote regional economic ties between China and its neighbors. Following this year’s conference, attendees hope the spirit of the Boao Forum will lead to greater cooperation amongst Asian nations.