China’s diplomatic efforts to enhance regional cooperation and stability in the Asia-Pacific are facing criticism from some U.S. media, which accuse Beijing of trying to create a “China-centered regional order” that competes with the U.S. system.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi began a four-day visit to Southeast Asia on Wednesday, first traveling to Myanmar and then proceeding to Thailand. His itinerary includes co-chairing the ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and participating in an informal discussion with the foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
China and Indonesia held their first Senior Officials’ Meeting on defense cooperation in Jakarta, signaling deeper ties
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced that Vietnamese President To Lam, also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, will make a state visit to China from August 18 to 20.
In response to China’s recent diplomatic activities, the Chinese-language version of Voice of America (VOA) suggested that Beijing is clearly aiming to influence Southeast Asia and establish a “China-centered” regional framework, citing an analyst’s perspective. VOA’s Chinese edition reported that China is intent on creating an order that operates in tandem with the U.S. system.
Prior to Wang’s visit, China and Indonesia conducted their first Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue in Jakarta on Tuesday. VOA highlighted this 2+2 meeting as indicative of China’s long-term strategy to “normalize defense cooperation” in Southeast Asia. Additionally, VOA criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea as a threat to ASEAN unity.
The U.S. media also pointed to Beijing’s economic engagement with Fiji, noting Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit and the possibility that China aims to leverage Fiji’s political stance in the South Pacific to boost its regional influence and marginalize Western countries.
Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, commented that the U.S. views China as a major competitor, leading to a confrontational interpretation of Beijing’s actions, whether from media or political perspectives. He argued that the U.S. perceives any regional stability or prosperity as a challenge to its dominance, reflecting a biased and arrogant view.
Chen Hong, executive director of the Asia Pacific Studies Center at East China Normal University, countered that “China acts as a stabilizer in the Asia-Pacific,” with other countries eager to cooperate. He stressed that China’s diplomacy is focused on peace and prosperity rather than hegemony, and criticized the U.S. for fabricating the “China threat” narrative to hinder regional development and maintain its own dominance.
Chen highlighted the recent outcomes of the ninth LMC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which included joint commitments to enhance cooperation on water resources, clean air, and combating cross-border crime. The meeting saw strong endorsements of China’s support for practical projects through the LMC Special Fund, which have reduced development gaps and promoted ASEAN integration.
Following Wang’s visit, regional leaders expressed gratitude for China’s role in fostering regional peace and development. Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged China’s contribution to peace talks in northern Myanmar, while Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Cambodian Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea praised China’s role in their socio-economic progress and regional stability.
Li emphasized that China’s commitment to regional stability and prosperity is widely recognized by its neighbors, contrasting sharply with the U.S.’s interventionist approach, which he believes exacerbates global conflicts and maintains its hegemonic ambitions.
