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This paper attempts to examine the process of China's participation in regional cooperation in Asia and the factors that affect its participation. It focuses on a changing China-ASEAN relationship that is reshaping Asia. To build a peaceful and stable external environment, China has been making various efforts, political, economic and in the security field, to maintain and upgrade a harmonious and constructive relationship with its neighboring East Asian countries. Politically, China acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), essentially accepting the code of conduct stipulated by ASEAN and prompting other regional countries to observe this code. China has been supportive of ASEAN, playing a leadership role in East Asian regional cooperation. China and Asian regional cooperation is an evolving concept and a couple of theoretical points may be taken into account, such as how regional cooperation influences major powers' international behavior and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why have Southeast Asian states' threat perceptions regarding China been reduced significantly over the last 15 years? This article argues it is the result of astute Chinese diplomacy, successful Southeast Asian regional security strategy, and the relative restraint exercised by the major regional powers. The paper is divided into three sections that first outline Southeast Asian strategic imperatives and Chinese strategic aims in the region; followed by an analysis of Southeast Asian views of the consequences of China's rise in the military, political, and economic realms; and an analysis of Southeast Asian responses to the China challenge with regard to their larger regional security strategies. It concludes with outstanding questions about the strategic implications of China's rise for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that Sino–ASEAN relations, despite reassurances and determination by both sides to increase interactions and cooperation, have some remaining areas of contention and contestation. After its long isolation, self-imposed or otherwise, the PRC has been able to integrate itself successfully into the political life, economies, and security interests of the region. The PRC's market potentials, military capabilities and its enormous size have both excited and threatened the Southeast Asian states. While the Southeast Asian states have been willing to engage this emerging regional power, they are also wary of the potential risks when dealing with it. Increasing trade, investment, and cultural levels between the two regions have made both sides increasingly aware of the opportunities and challenges involved. The relationship is not without problems, although there is a general consensus that it is on a much better footing than in recent decades. The present developments of their relationships and in the next decade are analyzed under three categories: rituals, risks and rivalries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unresolved maritime claims to all, or parts, of the South China Sea involve Vietnam, Malaysia. the Philippines. Brunei, Taiwan, and China, and have hindered the development of the hydrocarbon resources there. Rising oil prices and China's voracious appetite for energy have stimulated greater interest in the exploitation of the area's oil reserves. Despite the uncertainty, ASEAN countries have involved energy companies in exploration and drilling in their respective claims. Cooperation arrangements between national oil companies including Chinese have been negotiated which hold out the prospect of greater security, even in the absence of a settlement of the maritime claims. Energy cooperation may stabilize the South China Sea providing a secure operating environment for oil exploitation. In time, the way could be prepared for further steps which would involve the claimants in negotiations over a resolution of the maritime claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, regional leaders and analysts have observed that China has been very successful in improving its relations with the ASEAN countries. Starting from a description of China's strategic interests in Southeast Asia, this article analyzes the developments of China's policy toward Southeast Asia, particularly since the Asian financial crisis of 1997. This article argues that China's active policies to address Southeast Asia's fears about the future impact of a stronger China have made these states more optimistic and hopeful that a more powerful China will be a force for peace, stability, and prosperity in the short-to-medium term. However, long-term concerns remain over whether a more powerful China may decide to try to increase its influence or even try to dominate the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though Sino–ASEAN relations improved in the 1970s, Indonesia and Singapore did not establish diplomatic relations with Beijing until 1990. China's rise as a major power, its 'open-door' policy, the end of ideological bipolarity, and the uncertainties surrounding America's future role in the region contributed to ASEAN's reassessment of its attitude to China. Underlying the new cordiality was not only the prospect of mutually beneficial economic relations but also China's greater willingness to engage in ASEAN's multilateral processes and institutions. Yet not all ASEAN states were fully convinced that this new climate would continue to prevail. Lingering suspicions of China's future intentions would lead some to stress the need for a residual US presence in the region. Generally, however, ASEAN's response was a pragmatic one. For the moment and the near future, the promise of economic co-operation with China seems to outweigh security fears. What has yet to be determined is the relationship between short-term and long-term expectations, on the one hand, and between security and economic considerations, on the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]