BANGKOK – Experts say the global economy is increasingly shifting toward Asia, prompting calls for stronger ties between Southeast Asian countries and China, alongside increased regional cooperation.
Strengthening Regional Ties
“The world order has changed fundamentally and there has been a significant shift of global economic activities toward the Asian region with China playing a crucial role,” said Arm Tungnirun, director of the Chinese Studies Center at Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Asian Studies. “This transition reflects the region’s growing influence and the need for strategic positioning to harness emerging opportunities.”
At a recent seminar, Tungnirun underscored the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in shaping future global economic dynamics, advocating for a more integrated and influential regional framework.
Coordinating policies as a region is crucial for ASEAN countries amid current geopolitical uncertainties, Tungnirun said. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by diverse income levels, cultures, and external relationships with major powers like China and the United States, noting that policy alignment is difficult but necessary.
He called for a shift beyond traditional infrastructure connectivity, advocating for cooperation in areas such as governance systems, regulatory frameworks, and new structures amid shifts in technology and trade. “Instead of competing with each other — whether it’s Thailand, Vietnam or Indonesia — we should focus on cocreation, joint partnerships and building common markets,” he explained. “By complementing each other’s strengths, we can create shared opportunities and a brighter future for the region.”
Building Cooperation with China
Pavika Sriratanaban, director of the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, echoed this view, stating that ASEAN’s key priority is building cooperation with China, focusing on trust and long-term resilience.
Sriratanaban highlighted academic institutions as vital spaces for complex dialogue, transcending political cycles through open and responsible idea exchange. She emphasized that active engagement in dialogue is essential to avoid having futures determined by others.
“Collaborative networks across institutions and disciplines are vital for forming trust and shared understanding amid global fragmentation,” she said.
Navigating Difficulties and Enhancing Competitiveness
Aroon Eamsureya, chairman of the Thai-Chinese Economic and Investment Institute under the Federation of Thai Industries, emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation to navigate complexities and foster collective resilience, despite inherent diversities and external pressures.
Thailand, with a GDP less than 5 percent of both the US and China’s GDP, faces challenges including a technology gap, scaling economic growth, and connecting with new industrial supply chains, Aroon said. He urged Thai industries to enhance competitiveness by focusing on next-generation industries, such as the digital industry, artificial intelligence, green energy and biotechnology, as the country aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.
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