Unlike the Soviet Union in the 1980s, China has a highly diversified economy and capable defences making it unlikely to collapse or be contained. Despite what some pundits in Washington may believe, much of the world would not readily join the US in a war or containment strategy against China
As the Philippines looks for allies outside Asean to support its South China stance against Beijing, Southeast Asia risks becoming a theatre of war. Asean must act to to de-escalate tensions and ensure regional peace and prosperity.