While enhancing cooperation between ASEAN and China offers economic advantages, some experts caution against excessive dependence on this partnership due to potential geopolitical and strategic vulnerabilities. The balancing act ASEAN nations must perform involves engaging China economically without compromising their autonomy or becoming embroiled in broader regional tensions.
Critics highlight that China's growing influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road can expose ASEAN countries to debt and political pressure. Moreover, unresolved maritime disputes in the South China Sea continue to strain relations, posing risks to the overall security environment.
There is also concern that prioritizing economic collaboration with China could sideline ASEAN's engagement with other global partners, potentially limiting diversified trade and diplomatic options. Such an imbalance might reduce ASEAN's leverage in negotiations and weaken its collective voice on regional issues.
Therefore, skeptics advocate for a more cautious, multidimensional approach that strengthens ASEAN's internal cohesion and balances relations among major powers to preserve regional autonomy and sustainable development.