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The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
China must strike a delicate balance in its approach towards Thai-Cambodian conflict, say analysts
CHONGQING, (China): China faces a delicate balancing act as it decides what role it should play in the ongoing border hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia, two South-east Asian nations that are its close neighbours and which it wields strong influence over. Analysts told The Straits Times that while the clash, which began on Thursday (July 24) and has so far reportedly left at least 16 dead, could present an opportunity for China to showcase its leadership in the region, the world's second-largest economy is likely to keep to its traditional approach of having the two countries resolve the matter on their own. It is also likely to first look to Asean as it assesses how it can best help the process along. But that does not mean that China will not attempt to bring both countries to the negotiating table as the conflict is happening in its neighbourhood, said Professor Fan Lei, an expert on China-Asean relations at China's Charhar Institute, an international relations think-tank. Asean is China's largest trading partner, representing 16.6 per cent of the world's second-largest economy's overall foreign trade. Total trade between Asean and China reached 1.71 trillion yuan (S$305 billion) in 2024, up 7.1 per cent from 2023. Analysts pointed to how China can play a bigger role in the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, given that China is both countries' top trading partner and thus wields strong economic influence over both states. Thailand relies on Chinese imports such as machinery, electronics and vehicles. China is also Thailand's top source of foreign tourists. Meanwhile, bilateral trade between Cambodia and China grew 26.9 per cent in the first six months of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024, official data from Cambodia showed. China is a major investor in both Thailand and Cambodia in sectors such as electric vehicles, infrastructure and real estate. It also conducts separate military exercises with Cambodia and Thailand. In April, Chinese-sponsored upgrades to Ream Naval Base in Cambodia raised concerns about China's growing footprint in South-east Asia. But China has to tread a delicate balance. On the one hand, 'China may feel that it should not just sit idly by and do nothing if such military conflict is in its neighbourhood', said Associate Professor Li Mingjiang, an expert on Chinese foreign policy and regional security at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. On the other hand, it has to be mindful not to 'leave the impression it is disregarding Asean', said Professor Zhu Feng, dean at the School of International Studies at Nanjing University. Already, countries in South-east Asia are wary of China's expanding influence in the region – and its clashes with the Philippines over maritime territorial claims – as they navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape amid intense US-China rivalry. That is why China is most likely to conduct 'quiet and informal mediation', Prof Li said, adding that he believes 'Chinese diplomats may already be involved in discussions with Cambodia and Thailand, urging them to de-escalate and engage in talks'. Professor Gu Jiayun, vice-dean at the School of Asian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said: 'It is in China's interest to keep the peace among its neighbours, given that conflict can hurt the region's as well as its own development prospects.' Prof Gu said that both Thailand and Cambodia have 'shown restraint in the clash so far, so they might be looking for an out to start negotiations'. Publicly, Thailand has rejected mediation efforts from third countries to end the ongoing conflict. However, it has signalled that the door will be kept open for Asean to facilitate a return to bilateral negotiations with Cambodia. Phnom Penh has written to the United Nations for help – the first time in more than a decade that an Asean member state has made such a request. The latest border dispute escalated sharply on July 24 after a Thai F-16 fighter jet bombed targets in Cambodia that day. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been steaming since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief exchange of gunfire near the border in north-eastern Thailand. Both countries – which share a long history of border disputes that date back to France's occupation of Cambodia until 1953 – have blamed each other for the latest escalation, and downgraded their diplomatic ties on July 23. During a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Asean secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing on July 25, Wang said that China 'stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions (between Thailand and Cambodia) and de-escalating the situation in an impartial and fair manner'. Calling the latest deadly clash 'distressing and concerning', Wang added: 'China appreciates and supports the proactive mediation efforts of the Asean Chair and encourages the 'Asean Way' to promote dialogue and political resolution.' Asean's fundamental principles include mutual respect for the sovereignty of all nations, non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, peaceful settlement of disputes, and renunciation of the threat or use of force. On July 24, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman told reporters at a regular briefing that 'China has and will continue to promote talks (between the two Asean states) for peace in its own way, and play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation'. Prof Fan said that China is likely to draw Cambodia and Thailand into negotiations with economic ways. This would be in line with the Chinese government's emphasis on cooperative win-win partnerships and non-interference principles regarding foreign diplomacy that are part of China's Three Global Initiatives, he added. 'It is also a possibility that China might encourage Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their dispute at Hong Kong's new international mediation body,' Prof Fan said. China signed on May 30 a convention to set up an international organisation for mediation in Hong Kong to resolve cross-border disputes among countries and international companies that Beijing hopes can match up to the UN's International Court of Justice. Analysts noted that China's actions will be a test of its diplomatic strength in the region. Prof Li said China has been signalling that 'it does want to gradually play a slightly larger role in the region' that goes beyond traditional security issues. Chinese President Xi Jinping's first overseas trip in 2025 amid growing trade tensions with the US was to South-east Asia, where he visited Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam for a week in April. Prof Li said: 'The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand could be an opportunity for China to try out its limited role so far in addressing the security issues in the Mekong region, cautiously, quietly and informally, of course.' - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
China must strike delicate balance in its approach towards Thai-Cambodian conflict, say analysts
Smoke is pictured in the air as a multi-rocket launcher is fired near the Cambodia-Thailand border in Oddar Meanchey province, on July 25. CHONGQING – China faces a delicate balancing act as it decides what role it should play in the ongoing border hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia, two Southeast-Asian nations that are its close neighbours and which it wields strong influence over. Analysts told The Straits Times that while the clash, which began on July 24 and has so far reportedly left at least 16 dead, could present an opportunity for China to showcase its leadership in the region, the world's second-largest economy is likely to keep to its traditional approach of having the two countries resolve the matter on their own. It is also likely to first look to Asean as it assesses how it can best help the process along. But that does not mean that China will not attempt to bring both countries to the negotiating table as the conflict is happening in its neighbourhood, said Professor Fan Lei, an expert on China-Asean relations at China's Charhar Institute, a international relations thinktank. Asean is China's largest trading partner, representing 16.6 per cent of the world's second-largest economy's overall foreign trade. Total trade between Asean and China reached 1.71 trillion yuan (S$306.26 billion) in 2024, up 7.1 per cent from 2023. Analysts pointed to how China can play a bigger role in the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, given that China is both countries' top trading partner, and thus wields strong economic influence over both states. Thailand relies on Chinese imports such as machinery, electronics and vehicles. Chinese visitors are also Thailand's top source of foreign tourists. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Singapore Lung damage, poor brain development, addiction: What vaping does to the body Life 'Do you kill children?': Even before independence, S'pore has always loved its over-the-top campaigns Singapore S'pore could have nuclear energy 'within a few years', if it decides on it: UN nuclear watchdog chief Singapore Fine for couple whose catering companies owed $432,000 in salaries to 103 employees Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly Meanwhile, bilateral trade between Cambodia and China grew 26.9 per cent in the first six months of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024, official data from Cambodia showed. China is a major investor in both Thailand and Cambodia in sectors such as electric vehicles, infrastructure and real estate. China also conducts separate military exercises with Cambodia and Thailand. In April, Chinese-sponsored upgrades to Ream Naval Base in Cambodia raised concerns about China's growing footprint in South-east Asia. But China has to tread a delicate balance. On the one hand, 'China may feel that it should not just sit idly by and do nothing if such military conflict is in its neighbourhood', said Associate Professor Li Mingjiang, an expert on Chinese foreign policy and regional security at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. On the other hand, it has to be mindful not to 'leave the impression it is disregarding Asean', said Professor Zhu Feng, dean at the School of International Studies at Nanjing University. Already, countries in South-east Asia are wary of China's expanding influence in the region – and its clashes with the Philippines over maritime territorial claims – as they navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape amid intense US-China rivalry. That is why China is most likely to conduct 'quiet and informal mediation', Prof Li said, adding that he believes 'Chinese diplomats may already be involved in discussions with Cambodia and Thailand, urging them to de-escalate and engage in talks'. Professor Gu Jiayun, vice-dean at the School of Asian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said: 'It is in China's interest to keep the peace among its neighbours, given that conflict can hurt the region's as well as its own development prospects.' Prof Gu said that both Thailand and Cambodia have 'shown restraint in the clash so far, so they might be looking for an out to start negotiations'. Publicly, Thailand has rejected mediation efforts from third countries to end the ongoing conflict. However, it has signalled that the door will be kept open for Asean to facilitate a return to bilateral negotiations with Cambodia. Phnom Penh has written to the United Nations for help – the first time in more than a decade that an Asean member state has made such a request. The latest border dispute escalated sharply on July 24 after a Thai F-16 fighter jet bombed targets in Cambodia on July 24. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been steaming since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief exchange of gunfire near the border in north-eastern Thailand. Both countries – which share a long history of border disputes that date back to France's occupation of Cambodia until 1953 – have blamed each other for the latest escalation, and downgraded their diplomatic ties on July 23. During a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Asean secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing on July 25, Mr Wang said that China 'stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions (between Thailand and Cambodia) and de-escalating the situation in an impartial and fair manner'. Calling the latest deadly clash 'distressing and concerning', Mr Wang added: 'China appreciates and supports the proactive mediation efforts of the Asean Chair and encourages the 'Asean Way' to promote dialogue and political resolution.' Asean's fundamental principles include mutual respect for the sovereignty of all nations, non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, peaceful settlement of disputes, and renunciation of the threat or use of force. On July 24, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman told reporters at a regular briefing that 'China has and will continue to promote talks (between the two Asean states) for peace in its own way and play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation'. Prof Fan said that China is likely to draw Cambodia and Thailand into negotiations with economic ways. This would be in line with the Chinese government's emphasis on cooperative win-win partnerships and non-interference principles regarding foreign diplomacy that are part of China's Three Global Initiatives, he added. 'It is also a possibility that China might encourage Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their dispute at Hong Kong's new international mediation body,' Prof Fan said. China signed on May 30 a convention to set up an international organisation for mediation in Hong Kong to resolve cross-border disputes among countries and international companies that Beijing hopes can match up to the UN's International Court of Justice. Analysts noted that China's actions will be a test of its diplomatic strength in the region. Prof Li said that China has been signalling that 'it does want to gradually play a slightly larger role in the region' that goes beyond traditional security issues. President Xi's first overseas trip in 2025 amid growing trade tensions with the US was to South-east Asia, where he visited Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam for a week in April. Prof Li said: 'The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand could be an opportunity for China to try out its limited role so far in addressing the security issues in the Mekong region, cautiously, quietly and informally, of course.'
The Star
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Chinese foreign minister elaborates on South China Sea issue
KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday (July 12) spoke to reporters about the South China Sea issue in response to questions while attending annual Asean Plus foreign ministers' meetings here. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the South China Sea issue is discussed every year at the meetings, and this year was no exception. "What struck me most this time is the clear temperature difference between regional countries and a few countries from outside the region." At the China-Asean foreign ministers' meeting, the discussion on the South China Sea was held in a more calm and confident manner, becasse compared with other seas in the world, the South China Sea is clearly stable. There are no problems with freedom of navigation and overflight, Wang said Some countries outside the region continue to make irresponsible remarks about the South China Sea. Although their tone has notably softened this year, they have not stopped, he said, adding tt seems they fear the South China Sea will not be chaotic. Regional countries are now well aware of these "old tricks." Wang said he proposed that a new narrative should be built for the South China Sea. We should not always associate the South China Sea with friction, conflict, or confrontation, but with peace, stability, and cooperation. This should become the mainstream narrative in the future, stated the Chinese foreign minister. China and Asean countries are working toward this direction, he said, adding there is still one country that seems out of sync with the others, but I believe it will come to eventually understand. Acting as a pawn for others will only lead to being sacrificed. Wang said that China and Asean countries have agreed to upgrade the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) by formulating a Code of Conduct (COC) that is effective, substantive, and consistent with international law. All sides also agreed to strive to conclude the COC as scheduled next year, he said. In the next stage, consultations will become more frequent, and the process will speed up. We have the confidence, capability, and wisdom to maintain stability in the South China Sea, remove external interference, and jointly build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation. Wang emphasized that during the meetings, he also elaborated on China's position regarding the so-called South China Sea arbitration case. This arbitration case has serious flaws in terms of fact-finding and application of law. It carried out actions that violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea under the name of the convention itself, and its damage to regional peace and stability as well as the maritime order has become increasingly evident. Wang stated that we must ask: if compulsory arbitration can be abused, is there still value in diplomatic efforts? Should bilateral consultations be abandoned? Do commitments under the DOC still count? If territorial sovereignty and maritime demarcation issues are submitted for arbitration, should the exclusive declarations under the convention still be respected? Does an agreement between China and the Philippines to resolve disputes through dialogue still hold? And if all islands and reefs in the South China Sea are denied maritime entitlements, should the world's maritime map be redrawn? In fact, this so-called arbitration case is a political manipulation and should be thrown into the trash heap of history, Wang said. - Xinhua
Business Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Who is Tan Teck Long, the former DBS veteran who is OCBC's incoming CEO?
[SINGAPORE] OCBC has announced that its chief executive Helen Wong, 64, will retire on Dec 31, 2025. Its head of global wholesale banking, Tan Teck Long, 55, will take over the role on Jan 1, 2026. He brings with him a deep knowledge of the China market, an important prong of the bank's China-Asean strategy. As part of a smooth transition over the next 6 months, Tan – who joined OCBC in 2022 – will take on an additional role of deputy CEO at South-east Asia's second largest bank. In a statement on Friday (Jul 11), OCBC board chairman Andrew Lee said: 'After a rigorous global search, the board unanimously agreed that Teck Long was the best candidate to take the helm.' A veteran banker from DBS Tan joined OCBC in 2022 from DBS, where he had been for close to 30 years. At South-east Asia's largest bank, he last held the role of chief risk officer. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Prior to that, he was head of DBS' corporate bank and chief operating officer of the institutional bank from January 2016 to June 2018. He was also head of DBS's institutional banking group in China from September 2011 to January 2016. His other senior roles at DBS included the group head of special assets management and group head of corporate real estate strategy and administration. OCBC previously said it hired Tan as part of its regular review of its senior management bench-strength to ensure that its top executives remain relevant to the bank's strategic objectives. Tan had been identified through a search conducted by an independent external executive search firm. He was also assessed by OCBC's board of directors and was found to have the 'requisite knowledge and experience for the position'. Roles at OCBC Tan's role as head of global wholesale banking at OCBC is responsible for all banking relationships with its wholesale customers – small-and medium enterprises, large corporates and financial institutions. He also oversees two product groups – cash management and trade under the transaction banking business; as well as the investment banking business. The wholesale banking business made up around 38 per cent of the lender's overall profit before tax in 2024. Profit before income tax for the segment was down 10 per cent to S$3.5 billion in 2024 from a decline in net interest income and higher expenses and allowances, which more than offset an increase in fee income. Tan has also been chairing the OCBC Strategic Resilience Group (SRG) since May. This group aims to calibrate OCBC's position amid continued global shifts, strengthen the bank's resilience, and improve its long-term business sustainability by seeking new growth engines. In China, he serves as a director on the boards of OCBC-affiliated Bank of Ningbo and Maxwealth Fund Management Company. Greater China-Asean flows OCBC in 2022 launched a corporate strategy to capitalise on the increasing trade and investment flows between the Greater China region and Asean. For Tan, his goal was to increase revenue from Greater China corporates operating in Asean by more than 50 per cent by 2025. He also aimed to gain more than 26,000 new small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) customers in Hong Kong over three years. OCBC will also grow its transactional banking capabilities in Greater China to achieve more than 500 regional mandates for cash management over the next five years, and double its investment banking revenue in three years. By 2025, the division saw strong revenue growth of 35 per cent, and customer growth of more than 50 per cent from 'surging' Greater China-Asean flows. According to OCBC's annual report, in 2024, the bank saw nearly 30 per cent on-year rise in new-to-bank customers that were Chinese companies entering the Asean market.
Sinar Daily
10-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Asean-GCC-China Summit: A new chapter in Global South cooperation
This gathering marks yet another step forward in Global South cooperation, with implications for both regional development and global growth. By HUI FAN 10 Jun 2025 05:43pm Amid growing trade tensions and rise in protectionist policies on the international landscape, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, hosted under Malaysia's Asean chairmanship for 2025, has drawn significant international attention. - BERNAMA FILE PIX Amid growing trade tensions and rise in protectionist policies on the international landscape, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, hosted under Malaysia's Asean chairmanship for 2025, has drawn significant international attention. This gathering marks yet another step forward in Global South cooperation, with implications for both regional development and global growth. Foundations for partnership The three parties share deep historical and economic ties. Centuries ago, the Silk Road facilitated cultural and commercial exchanges among their peoples. Today, China remains a pivotal trade partner for both Asean and the GCC. Recent advancements, such as the full conclusion of China-Asean Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations, underscore ongoing efforts to deepen economic integration. These longstanding relationships, nurtured through bilateral and multilateral frameworks, provide a robust foundation for expanded cooperation. Shared vision for inclusive growth As advocates for open markets, the three parties reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism during the summit. The event highlighted a shift in Global South nations from passive participants to proactive contributors in shaping international economic frameworks. Discussions underscored the importance of a rules-based global trading system, one that prioritises equitable development over zero-sum competition. This vision aligns with broader calls for inclusive globalisation that benefits all. Complementary strengths Each region brings unique advantages to the table: Asean's youthful demographics and natural resources, the GCC's energy resources and financial capital, and China's vast consumer market and manufacturing prowess. By leveraging these complementary strengths, the partners will benefit from reduced energy and resource costs, accelerated logistics, and more efficient financial services. These synergies will enhance all three parties' competitiveness and resilience while enabling more secure and sustainable development, which are indispensable for navigating challenges in today's volatile global markets and maintaining growth amidst trade uncertainties. Amid growing trade tensions and rise in protectionist policies on the international landscape, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, hosted under Malaysia's Asean chairmanship for 2025, has drawn significant international attention. - BERNAMA FILE PIX Synergy in scale: 1+1+1>3 The trilateral cooperation has already registered positive progress. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced at the Summit that China has decided to offer five-year multiple-entry visas to eligible applicants from Southeast Asian countries for business and other purposes, and to effectively give all GCC countries visa-free status. And with a regional business council in conception, the three parties have charted a united course for cooperation in areas including economic integration, connectivity, energy security and sustainability, digital transformation and innovation, food and agriculture and people-to-people exchanges. Collectively, Asean, China and the GCC account for nearly a quarter of the world's population and global GDP. Their collaboration signals a growing preference for cooperative and open regionalism in addressing shared challenges, such as trade disputes and supply chain disruptions. By improving infrastructure connectivity and streamlining trade, this partnership could foster synergies that multiply rather than simply add their individual strengths. A model for South-South cooperation Amid ongoing tariff and trade wars, the best way to navigate the current difficulties is to seek strength through unity. Through the practice of cross-regional cooperation, the three parties have demonstrated that the Global South can collectively counteract the adverse impact of unilateral tariffs by exploring new trade and investment opportunities, diversifying trade partners, and reducing reliance on traditional markets. The three parties' connected market, one of the world's largest intra-regional markets, will also allow other countries to share more benefits, and inject much-needed certainty into the global economy. By pooling together the three important forces in the world, this innovative, inclusive and pragmatic model represents a shared commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and marks a concrete step toward a peaceful, prosperous and equitable future. A powerful boost to globalisation In an era of interconnected economies and shared global challenges, globalisation retains its transformative potential—but only if nations choose collaboration over isolation. As an innovative cooperation mechanism among Global South partners, the Asean-GCC-China Summit demonstrates how diverse regions can align interests to strengthen multilateral frameworks and advance equitable trade. The Summit's success sends a clear message: Solidarity doesn't require uniformity. It thrives when nations bridge divergences through structured cooperation. By prioritising dialogue and economic interdependence, countries can transform differences into opportunities while fostering shared progress. In an uncertain world, such collaboration isn't just idealistic—it's the cornerstone of collective resilience and a more equitable future. Hui Fan is a Beijing-based observer of international affairs. The views expressed in this article are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.
