Greater openness will help China meet the expectations of its people,
region
The 18th National Congress of the
Chinese Communist Party is selecting a new leader to replace President Hu
Jintao. As of press time, it was widely expected that Vice President Xi Jinping
would lead the fifth generation of Chinese leaders and take the helm of the
world's second biggest economy.
The Chinese presidency will play
a critical role in influencing international relations especially for Thailand
and Asean. The rise of China not only contributes to the rising wealth within
the Asian region it also poses concerns about the predominant role of China,
politically and strategically.
The new leader of China will have
to lead the most-populous country in the face of a reinforced military presence
in the region by the US. Thailand and Asean will have to strike a balanced
diplomatic approach to ensure constructive relations with the two super-powers
and their leaders in Washington and Beijing.
While there is strong interest in
Asia by both superpowers, there should not be a crush in the Asean region.
US President Barack Obama wants
to increase economic and political ties with Asia in his second term. He is
scheduled to arrive here later this week, stopping in Thailand, Cambodia and
Myanmar, now that the once-isolated country has opened up to the world.
Obama is also keen to increase
the US military role in Asia, although that will draw a mixed reaction from
countries in the region. Given territorial disputes in the South China Sea,
both the Philippines and Vietnam are keen to draw the US into the region.
However, countries such as Cambodia don't want to offend Beijing, which has
been a generous donor to Phnom Penh.
Economic, political implications
Economically, the US hopes to
pursue a regional free-trade deal with countries through the Trans-Pacific
Partnership Agreement. Beijing, meanwhile, can boost trade ties through
free-trade agreements that China has with Asean countries. The Asean Economic
Community (AEC) should also further promote the free flow of regional trade
with China. Over the past decade, Thailand and Asean have increased economic
ties with China. The rise of a more affluent society in China has created huge
demand for goods from countries in the region.
Politically, South Asian
countries have played a role in linking the superpowers. The East Asian summit,
initiated by the 10 Asean states, also includes strategic partners China, the
US, plus India, at the same table.
Under President George W Bush,
the US was seen to pay less attention to relations with Asean countries, due to
the "war on terror" at that time. So the visit by Obama to Southeast
Asia marks a timely boost ties with this region. The opening up of Myanmar
marks has also added an appeal to the region.
The challenge ahead for the new
leader in China is to work constructively with the region. China will have to
become more open to embrace its neighbours to ensure peaceful co-existence.
China's new chief will lead the
nation into a modern era when there is increased desire from the public to have
a louder say politically. Good governance and transparency will be demanded,
not just expected. Outgoing President Hu Jintao warned last week abuse of power
by Chinese officials could stir up public contempt. Economically, the new
leader in
Beijing will face a challenge in
addressing the widening gap of income if opportunities to prosper aren't spread
evenly through society.
Internationally, the new leader
will have to ensure that the rise of China does not lead to hegemony that
threatens stability within the region. Any international disputes should be
brought to multilateral forums to ensure peaceful existence with the other
countries, as there are major concerns about China seeking to dominate, given
the spate of territorial disputes in the South China Sea and North Asia.
These are among the challenges
that the new Chinese leaders will have to deal with to ensure that China steps
into the coming decades with economic prosperity and peace. Indeed, the role of
China is vital in ensuring economic security and stability for us all.
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