Panitan said the speech was also directed at the Chinese audience back home, aimed at boosting nationalism by demonstrating China’s success on the global stage. Xi’s administration has been facing unusual levels of criticism in China for its strict zero-Covid policy at a time when other countries are returning to social and economic normality. Amid growing regional tension, Thailand and its Asean allies must beware of siding with either superpower and losing advantages. Panitan urged Thailand and Asean to rebalance by deliberating deeply on each important issue before moving forward. The 2022 Apec Summit has drawn global attention to the region amid geopolitical tensions, climate change, and looming recession – adding urgency to member-countries’ efforts to work together to find solutions.
