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Chapter 3
Expanding Chinese Interests in ASEAN Implications to ASEAN
Source: www.tass.com Evolving Geo-Strategic Matrix in South China Sea:
It is believed the reaction of China the region might trigger an unintended and
26
will be greatly influenced by what other states catastrophic chain reaction. Nonetheless
may do in respect to China. China may not take an escalation of regional hostilities into 17
the easy way of a conciliatory strategy of a war in this region is neither inevitable nor
peaceful rise, which by doing so may be seen desirable for China or other countries in
as too weak to safeguard China’s national the region. As Singaporean Prime Minister
interests and dignity. China’s action may also Lee Hsien Loong concedes that, “None
be influenced by their Chinese domestic of the Southeast Asian countries want
audience, which may be susceptible to to have a fight with China. In fact, China,
any outside actions against the country. 25 too, goes considerably out of its way to
A small incident at sea or anywhere else in develop friendly relations with ASEAN”. 27
25 Robert Art, “The United States and the Rise of China.”
26 Joseph S. Nye, “Taiwan and Fear in US-China Ties,” Taipei Times, 14 January 2008,
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2008/01/14/ 2003397224.
27 Victor Beattie, “Will Regional Ties Prevent South China Sea Conflict?” Voice of America, 25 June 2014,
http://www.voanews.com/content/singapore-pm-regional-ties -will-prevent-south-china-sea-conflict/
1944515.html.
