No, my friend. In my opinion, China does not want to see an ASEAN instability, but she also does not want to see an ASEAN solidarity and cohesive closely, especially in disputes status the SCS today.
One thing that many people do not know, ASEAN would be very easy to fall into the state of disunity under China's intentions if without the US in the region.
If ASEAN closer links with Japan, South Korea but without her, she would definitely jump up.
But of course, China would not protest if Bangladesh joined ASEAN.
I think, the next country to join ASEAN, most likely as Timor Leste, then could be Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea...
I think I understand what you are saying, China supports ASEAN, but it does not want ASEAN or ASEAN+ to become like United States of East Asia, which may become a threat for it in the future.
But for China, if they really want to reduce US and Indian influence in this region, they need to help the formation of a strong ASEAN+ union, which can become a United States of East Asia in the future, otherwise the US bases in Okinawa and South Korea will continue to be there and whenever there is any issue between China and any other ASEAN or East Asian states (South Korea or Japan), like what we have today in SCS dispute with Vietnam and Philippines, the USA and/or India will take these opportunities to get involved, backed up by their local bases (in case of USA) and maritime blue water forces. If China helps the formation of a strong and united ASEAN+, like NATO, then ASEAN+ will remain allied with China.
The way I see it is that, there is definitely a need and viability for ASEAN+ among all its member states, but it cannot happen without support from one or both of top two powers, USA and China. If China comes forward and help unite ASEAN+, it will ally with China, on the other hand, if USA comes forward, it will lean more towards USA. The ideal situation is that if both China and USA compete and extend their help, then it will remain allied with both or become kind of a neutral entity and not side with China or USA, in case of any conflict and would rather mediate and resolve conflicts between China and USA.
ASEAN+ states of course will continue to have trade and economic relations with other powers and regions of the world, including Russia and India.
Many Indian posters are under the impression that India is a better candidate than Bangladesh to join ASEAN, please let me know your thoughts about this. I get inputs from a Korean individual from time to time, and inclusion of India or China is out of the question according to this person, because neither Japan or Korea want to be dominated by a large country within this union, as it will diminish their leadership position. Indonesia and Bangladesh, although they are large, they are not in the scale of China or India. Both nations (Indonesia and Bangladesh) will follow leadership of Japan and South Korea, whereas that is not necessarily true in case of India or China.
I saw iajj from China did not want PNG to become a part of ASEAN, I wonder why? Could the following have anything to do with this feeling?
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