The Asia-Pacific Leadership Network (APLN) and the East Asia Foundation are co-hosting a session on ‘ASEAN between China and the US: What options are available?’ at the Jeju Forum 2026.

About the Session

As strategic competition between China and the United States intensifies, ASEAN finds itself at the centre of great-power rivalry, both geographically and diplomatically. This panel examines the options available to Southeast Asian nations seeking to preserve autonomy, maintain regional cohesion, and advance their own interests amid mounting pressure to align. Drawing on perspectives from across the region, the panelists will assess ASEAN’s capacity to sustain its centrality in regional architecture, explore how member states are navigating bilateral relationships with both major powers, and consider whether new approaches – from hedging strategies to issue-based coalitions – can help the bloc avoid the worst consequences of a bifurcated order. The discussion will also address how ASEAN might leverage its collective voice to shape, rather than simply respond to, the emerging regional landscape.

Panelists:

• [Moderator] HOANG Thi Ha
• [Panelist] LIM Sung Nam
• [Panelist] Marty NATALEGAWA
• [Panelist] Kasit PIROMYA
• [Panelist] TON NU THI Ninh

Date and Time: June 26 (Friday), 10:20 to 11:40
Venue: Haevichi Hotel & Resort, Jeju Island