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The latest quarterly analytical review of the EESC – China and South-East Asia 2022/ 02.
Summary:
- In Q2 2022, Beijing’s main focus was on addressing domestic challenges and trying to stabilise the country’s economic situation, which is already showing some signs of recovery despite continuous implementation of its zero COVID policy.
- While the COVID outbreak in Shanghai and Beijing is considered contained, considerable tensions and uncertainty remain in society due to the fact that severe restrictions can be reapplied at any time.
- China’s increased focus on the Pacific and the signing of a security treaty with the Solomon Islands are indicative of its growing ambitions in the region, which will inevitably lead to a fierce rivalry and confrontation with the US.
- Countries in the South-East Asia region are not very optimistic about their economic situation, but there are some positive signs of recovery from the pandemic. However, this year, the region’s economic outlook is rather cautious, not only because of the impact of the war in Ukraine, but also because of China’s unstable economic situation and disruption to supply chains.
Author:
Raigirdas Boruta is an associate expert in the EESC China Research Program, a doctoral student at the VU Institute of International Relations and Political Science. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Asia-Pacific Studies (Chinese study branch) from the University of Central Lancashire (UK). In 2020 he completed a Master’s degree in International Relations at Sichuan University (China).
