"Clearly, China has made the transition from being simply a regional power to being a key player on the global stage. Nonetheless, even while China's global role and influence continues to grow and expand, Chinese leaders have realized that it is strategically important to remain fully engaged in their own backyard. China is using its continued economic strengths and financial assets to help support stronger growth across ASEAN. By helping to build up infrastructure in these countries, the Chinese government also is helping to support more commercial involvement by Chinese firms in the ASEAN economies."

Denis Simon, vice-provost for International Strategic Initiatives at Arizona State University

"China's presence in many ASEAN-related institutions, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus, and the ASEAN+3, allows frequent opportunities to address emerging security and economic issues before they become contentious. China's willingness to discuss the draft Code of Conduct in the South China Sea with ASEAN is a welcome development, even though there remains a long way to go before a final agreement can be reached. Additionally, the launch of negotiations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is another avenue through which ASEAN and China can advance economic integration and improve their competitiveness in world markets."