Yun has also recognized that China's participation as a mediator has an impact on Myanmar sovereignty. However, she said it was “not unlikely” because the impact of the conflict had been felt in the areas near their land border.
“One thing you have always heard that the Chinese is that we do not want to get involved in Burmese national sovereignty or Burmese domestic affairs,” she noted.
“But when your internal affairs have led to the bombing of Chinese territory, or at 30,000 refugees in China, your internal affairs become my internal affairs. And this unfortunately gives China a legitimate justification to play a mediation role.”
While the motivation of the international mediators of China continues, these regional reservations could have a negative impact on the perception of Southeast Asia of the country – a point of which Beijing is probably well aware.
The nations of Southeast Asia recognize China as a key economic partner while retaining a measured approach to its wider regional commitment, including its role in promoting stability, analysts stress.
They add that this can place certain nations in a delicate position.
Abdul Rahman of the Lowy Institute underlined Malaysia as an example. With China its greatest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, Malaysia must carefully navigate in economic advantages in parallel with its security considerations, he said.
“China is considered an economic partner to work with,” said Abdul Rahman.
“However, there are opinions among senior Malaysian government officials that Western powers are crucial to balance China.”
“My sense of commitments with different Malaysian officials is that, if China takes a more aggressive position on the ground against Malaysia in waters off Sabah and Sarawak, this could push Malaysians to take a more difficult position against China.”
Whatever
For example, Dorsey de RSis stressed how Malaysia and Indonesia depend relatively less on the United States for security issues.
“However, they still want the United States to maintain a presence. Although they prefer it to be offshore, they don't want Washington to retire completely,” he said.
“What I say is that most countries, including the nations of Southeast Asia, will endeavor to avoid having to make this binary choice.”
The report of the state of Southeast Asia 2025 I saw the United States dislodge China to become the dominant choice (52.3%) if the region was forced to take a party.
China as a choice fell to 47.7%, compared to 50.5% the previous year when it also emerged from the summits for the first time.
At the same time, the majority of respondents from the Anase (53.2%) think that the regional block should improve its resilience and its unit to postpone the two world powers.
Almost 30% of respondents expressed their concern that the Anase could become an arena for competition from major energy, its member states eventually becoming major power attorney.
“In the long term, China's reputation will depend on its ability to combat regional apprehensions and promote real partnerships,” said Ping by Bond University.
“An increase in decline is possible if China fails to align its actions with regional expectations.”
