Hou Yanqi

Opinion | As China marks 20 years since joining Asean treaty, mutual respect and cooperation are key to regional security

China in 2003 joined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, which has become the cornerstone of safeguarding regional security and prosperity

Upholding the treaty signifies the maintenance of an Asean-centred and inclusive regional cooperation structure, with all parties supporting the bloc to play a greater global role

Reading Time:3 minutes

Why you can trust SCMP

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang (left) shakes hands with Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn during their meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, in February 22, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

Hou Yanqi

Published: 12:00pm, 23 Jun 2023

In 2003, China officially joined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as the first influential extraterritorial power, setting the precedent for other non-Asean nations to follow and join the treaty.

Today, the TAC has become the foundation and guidance for countries to participate in East Asia cooperation, as well as become an indispensable part of the regionally recognised norms and rules. It is also the cornerstone of safeguarding regional security and prosperity.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China’s accession to the TAC. We will commemorate this historic event together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), revisiting the purposes, principles and spirit of the TAC, in an effort to stimulate inspiration for addressing current risks and challenges.

In the midst of profound changes unseen in a century, what should all parties uphold and oppose to safeguard the security and prosperity of the region?

We should bear in mind the purposes and principles enshrined in the TAC, including: mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and national identity of all nations; respect for the right of every state to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion; non-interference in the internal affairs of one another; settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful means; and renunciation of the threat or use of force.