China and ASEAN: Pivoting Trade and Shock Transmission

This book explores the complex relationship between China and ASEAN, highlighting the opportunities and challenges created by China's trade interdependency. It questions whether China's engagement with ASEAN comes at a cost due to systemic risks tied to China-centric supply chains. The book challenges stereotypes and clichés and reconsiders the benefits of trade engagement in an interconnected world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 114 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

The book delves into the intricate relationship between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), emphasizing the profound impact of their trade interdependence. As China emerges as the region's largest trade partner, it presents both opportunities and challenges for ASEAN. The central question posed by this book is whether China's engagement with ASEAN comes at a cost to the latter, given the systemic risks associated with the China-centric supply chains in the region. While trade interactions between China and ASEAN have been extensively studied, their influence in the context of China's global engagement and the backlash from major powers remains less understood. The book aims to challenge stereotypes and clichés, prompting readers to reevaluate the oversimplified assumptions about the benefits of trade engagement in interconnected economies.

China's rise as a global economic power has had a significant impact on the region, particularly in terms of trade. China is ASEAN's largest trading partner, accounting for a significant portion of the region's trade. This trade relationship has brought both benefits and challenges to the region. On the one hand, China's investment and trade have helped to stimulate economic growth and development in ASEAN countries. China has provided funding for infrastructure projects, invested in local industries, and created job opportunities.

However, the trade relationship has also led to concerns about the impact on local industries and workers. Many ASEAN countries have found it difficult to compete with China's low-cost products, which have led to job losses and reduced wages. Additionally, China's dominance in the region has led to concerns about its influence over local politics and policies. Some argue that China's investment and trade policies are aimed at promoting its own interests rather than those of the region.

Another challenge associated with the China-ASEAN trade relationship is the issue of regional integration. While ASEAN has been working to promote regional economic integration, it has faced challenges in doing so. China's rise has created a sense of competition and suspicion among some ASEAN countries, which have been reluctant to open up their markets to Chinese goods and services. This has led to tensions and disagreements within the region, particularly over issues such as intellectual property rights and trade barriers.

To address these challenges, ASEAN has been working to strengthen its trade relationship with China. The region has signed free trade agreements with China, which have aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote economic cooperation. ASEAN has also been working to improve its own competitiveness and develop its own industries, in order to reduce its dependence on Chinese goods and services.

However, there are still concerns about the impact of the China-ASEAN trade relationship on the region. Some argue that the region's dependence on Chinese goods and services has led to a loss of sovereignty and control over its own economic destiny. Additionally, there are concerns about the environmental and social impact of China's rapid economic growth, which has led to pollution, deforestation, and social unrest in some parts of the region.

In conclusion, the China-ASEAN trade relationship is a complex and multifaceted issue that has brought both benefits and challenges to the region. While the trade relationship has helped to stimulate economic growth and development, it has also led to concerns about the impact on local industries and workers, as well as issues of regional integration and sovereignty. ASEAN has been working to strengthen its trade relationship with China, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that the benefits of the trade relationship are shared fairly and sustainably.

Weight: 221g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811616204
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021