CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- For geographic and historic reasons, China has been and will always be a factor in Southeast Asia. Of course, the reverse is also true. And as emphasis shifts from bilateral relations to multilateral ties, the ASEAN-China dimension assumes a special meaning, whether viewed alone or within the wider ASEAN plus Three (China, Japan, and South Korea) context.
On June 11, ASEAN Secretary General Rodolfo Severino attended a China-ASEAN meeting held in Guangzhou, China. There he focused on the parameters of competition between China and the ASEAN countries. In particular, the ambassador emphasized the need for fairness -- which acts as a stimulus for mutual benefit -- in competition.
China has, of course, many internal difficulties with which to contend. The same can be said for members of ASEAN. As neighbors they have also had their share of disputes. But the combined potential of a huge market with a population of nearly 1.7 billion people should serve as a guide for leaders and players.