China’s One Belt and One Road Initiative Meets ASEAN Economic Community: Propelling and Deepening Regional Economic Integration?

Since 2013, new strategic initiatives for China–Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) relations have started to promote cooperation and also ensured peace and development. Indeed, 2013 marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China–ASEAN strategic partnership, which is further highlighted by the 16th China–ASEAN summit meeting. It clearly indicates the strategic direction of China–ASEAN relations and draws a vision blueprint for bilateral relations on communication, transportation, and connectivity. To build and strengthen connectivity and a more efficient infrastructure network has become a master policy and plan for China and ASEAN. In addition, the China–ASEAN free trade area (CFTA), upgraded from a so-called “golden decade” (2003–2013) to a “diamond decade” (2014–2024) of economic relations, would offer a favorable environment for China to take a lead in East Asian peace, prosperity, and integration. Politically, this will somewhat defuse the political crisis after the South China Sea disputes flared up in 2010. The new diamond decade aims to further promote friendship and partnership with its neighbors as well as to ensure that China’s development will bring greater benefits to its neighbors. Economically, the fundamental consideration for China–ASEAN economic development is bilateral connectivity and integration in order for win-win solid achievement (Soong, 2016). none defined