18.11.2007, 23:29
Zitat:In fact, when ASEAN was established in 1967 one underlying goal was to establish a counterweight to external powers (such as China) and to promote political self-reliance for its members. Today, while most Southeast Asian governments may still be wary of China's ambitions, some appear tempted to succumb to Beijing's soft power charm offensive and expand cooperation into the military sphere.
However, any strategic alignment of ASEAN with China risks accelerating what Chinese officials have frequently voiced concerns about: The formation of an "East Asian NATO," necessitated by the common security interests of the US, Australia, Japan, South Korea and possibly India, in light of a potentially hegemonic China.
Concerning transparency of defense-related issues, the ASEAN Regional Forum -- with its broad participation of 26 countries (including the US) plus the EU -- has so far served as a feasible platform for dialogue.
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