The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership offers China an opportunity to capitalise on diversification trends and tap Southeast Asia’s growing middle class, economists and business executives say.
Seen as a neutral leader within Southeast Asia, Jakarta has brokered solutions to several regional conflicts, but fundamental differences over rules for resource-rich waterway could slow down negotiations.
As China reopens its borders, it can finally resume normal exchanges with Southeast Asian countries. But there are several potential pitfalls to watch out for.