US-China relations might become more civil but the rivalry will be no less intense, and that is a worry for Asean countries. However, Mr Biden is under no illusions about the challenges his country faces. For now, Mr Biden is willing to trust professional diplomats to get the relationship with Beijing back on track, though there will continue to be a spirited rivalry. When it comes to dealing with China, Asean countries would do well to emulate Vietnam, he said. TROUBLED WATERSDiplomacy has been tested in the extreme when it comes to the South China Sea, vast tracts of which are claimed by China.

Source: Bangkok Post April 19, 2021 01:52 UTC