Asean: Trade wars and Zopfan

Peace and neutrality: If Asean does not want to be turned into a cockpit of conflict between a declining superpower and an emerging global power, it should endeavour to preserve its independence at all costs while striving to maintain good relations with China on the one hand and the US on the other. — Reuters

To assert its rights, the regional association should enhance its internal cohesion and unity, and speak with one voice. 

AT the close of the 13th Asean Summit in Singapore recently, the Prime Minister of the island republic, Lee Hsien Loong, warned that the trade war between the United States and China may create circumstances “where Asean will have to choose one or the other”. He added, “I hope it does not happen soon.”