Indonesia and China have notably maintained formidable bilateral relations in recent years. However, territorial disputes may prove to create fissions in their relationship as Indonesia grows increasingly critical of China’s claims in certain areas in Southeast Asia.

With Vietnam assuming the ASEAN chairmanship in 2020, and the US entering a contentious presidential election amid growing anti-China sentiment in Washington, Malaysia is betting on growing efforts to constrain Beijing’s maritime ambitions.

The most significant achievement of President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Myanmar was the progress made on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor project. It will enhance bilateral ties, both economically and socially.

Beneath the surface of improving political ties lie persistent concerns over Chinese strategic investments in the Philippines.

The role of small countries, whether in terms of moral influence, upholding free and open trade or promoting regional peace and stability, should not be underestimated.

Mongolia has recently tried to extend its diplomacy to fellow democratic nations India and the United States. However, making faraway friends may prove difficult as it faces economic pressure from its communist neighbor to the south – China.

Since the Philippines has shifted its loyalty to Beijing, Vietnam has stepped up as Southeast Asia’s primary opposition to Chinese intervention in the disputed South China Sea. Whether or not Vietnam will apply legal pressure on China remains to be seen.

The ASEAN Summit this year delivered an inclusive and progressive road map for further cooperation. Six macro-level upgrades were presented.

While ASEAN countries remain reliant on the United States for defense, they don’t want to be part of any U.S.-led encirclement of China because they fear their interests could be harmed and their neutrality challenged.

Recently, many countries in Asia have suffered from deadly and costly epidemics. While globalization and climate change may play a causal role, germ geopolitics cannot be excluded any longer.