Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s foreign minister has asserted that Europe’s growing involvement in the affairs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is becoming an important factor in rebalancing the region. This comes amid escalating competition between the United States and China.
The minister explained that having an active European partner gives ASEAN countries greater room to maneuver without being drawn into political or economic alignment with either of the two powers. He noted that European cooperation alleviates pressures and strengthens regional decision-making independence.
He added that the next phase will witness an expansion of European-Asian partnerships in the areas of development, security, and the economy. This is aimed at protecting the region’s stability and preventing the struggle for influence from escalating into open confrontation.
