China Urges Major Powers to Avoid “New Cold War”

On Wednesday, China’s Premier Li Qiang issued a plea for major powers to exercise restraint and prevent the emergence of a “new Cold War,” with an implicit reference to the United States. This call came as high-level officials from Asia and the U.S. gathered in Indonesia for diplomatic discussions.

China has expressed concerns about the formation of the U.S.-backed alliances in its neighborhood while grappling with disputes in the South China Sea and other regional matters. Premier Li, addressing an ASEAN-plus-three meeting involving Japan and South Korea, emphasized the potential for disputes to arise between nations due to misunderstandings, conflicting interests, or external influences.

“To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, to oppose bloc confrontation and to oppose a new Cold War,” Premier Li asserted. His statement reflects China’s desire for diplomatic engagement rather than escalating tensions.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a 10-member regional bloc, is hosting separate summits with several major players, including China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. These meetings provide a platform for significant powers to engage with ASEAN members and address regional rivalries.

Notably, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris represented her country in place of President Joe Biden, while Premier Li attended on behalf of President Xi Jinping. This diplomatic exchange underlines the importance of the discussions.

Keep Reading

China’s Concerns about Alliances

Premier Li’s appeal echoes earlier warnings from China regarding the formation of NATO-like alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. In June, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu advocated for “inclusive cooperation” over the establishment of “small cliques” at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. This sentiment reflects China’s unease about the increasing involvement of the U.S. in regional partnerships.

These meetings precede the 18-member East Asia Summit, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend. The G20 summit in New Delhi over the weekend will also address critical geopolitical matters.

Harris took the opportunity to engage with ASEAN leaders, commending their commitment to international rules and regional stability. She announced the establishment of the first U.S.-ASEAN center in Washington, signifying Washington’s heightened regional engagement.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol are participating in both days of meetings, highlighting the significance of these diplomatic gatherings in navigating complex regional dynamics.

Desk Writer

Spends most of the time reading news all around the world. Strong knowledge and understanding of the current situation and happenings in the ASEAN region.

Recent Posts

Bangchak Reduces the Price of Premium Oil to 5 baht Ahead of Christmas & New Year

BCP (Bangchak Corporation Petroleum Public Company Limited) has announced a New Year gift to the users of BCP Premium oil…

December 23, 2024

Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024

The 2024 Vietnam International Defense Expo was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 19, 2024 and…

December 22, 2024

Shooting concludes: Stranger Things 5 to release on Netflix in 2025

Created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things is one of the most popular sci-fi horror series globally. It is set…

December 21, 2024

China’s Hypersonic Expansion in Asia Raises Alarms for India

According to the US Department of Defense, China has now produced the most sophisticated supply of hypersonic weapons in the…

December 21, 2024

Melaka International Halal Festival 2024

The Melaka International Halal Festival 2024 aims to turn the city as the prime center of the Halal products and…

December 21, 2024

Chunichi Dragons Renews the Contract of Hiroto Takahashi with Annual Salary of 120 million yen

On Saturday, the stalwart of Chunichi Dragons Pitcher, Hiroto Takahashi attended the negotiation for his contract renewal for the next…

December 21, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More