Xi Jinping to Hold Summit with ASEAN Tomorrow... Likely to Send Message Against Joining 'China Encirclement'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Chinese President Xi Jinping will preside over a virtual summit on the 22nd to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

According to foreign media on the 21st, President Xi is expected to focus on strengthening relations with ASEAN countries through the meeting, aiming to distance Southeast Asia from the U.S.'s diplomatic moves to encircle China.

Although U.S. President Joe Biden and President Xi held their first virtual meeting on the 16th (Korean time) and agreed on the need to prevent conflicts between the two countries, the consensus is that there has been little change in the intense strategic competition between the two sides, centered on the Asia-Pacific region.

In this context, President Xi is expected to emphasize opposition to the formation of 'small groups' targeting ASEAN, opposition to interference in internal affairs, and the pursuit of genuine multilateralism as a counter to the U.S.

Observers expect President Xi to stress respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and opposition to alliance diplomacy at the summit, while sending a message that ASEAN countries should not at least join U.S.-led pressure groups against China.

Additionally, by emphasizing the attention of the parties involved in the South China Sea issue, where territorial disputes exist between China and countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam, he is expected to attempt to rally public opinion to exclude U.S. involvement, and seek reaffirmation of support for the 'One China' principle regarding the Taiwan issue.

In response to the U.S.'s consideration of a diplomatic boycott, attention is also focused on whether President Xi will issue an invitation message for Southeast Asian leaders to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February next year.

The cards President Xi holds are presumed to include COVID-19 vaccine support and infrastructure assistance linked to the Belt and Road Initiative (一帶一路: the overland and maritime Silk Road connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.