ISLAMABAD (Khyber Mail): The China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted Thai scholar Dr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Director of the Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, as part of its Distinguished Lecture Series. Dr. Pongsudhirak delivered a lecture on “Southeast Asia/ASEAN between the U.S. and China: Dynamics and Prospects.” The event was attended by former federal ministers, senior diplomats, practitioners, academicians, and members of civil society.
In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted Dr. Thitinan’s intellectual contributions to strategic thought in Thailand and the ASEAN region. He noted the evolving Pakistan-Thailand relations encompassing trade, investment, education, science and technology, culture, and tourism, with a historical linkage to the ancient Buddhist Gandhara heritage of Pakistan. Ambassador Mahmood stressed the importance of understanding contemporary Southeast Asia and ASEAN perspectives from Thailand, especially given the region’s current geopolitical challenges between the U.S. and China.
Dr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak emphasized the transitional period the world is undergoing, particularly since the second term of President Donald Trump in the United States. He pointed out that Trump’s policies focused on nativism and economic nationalism, leading the U.S. to adopt protectionist policies and shifting the burden to its allies. Dr. Pongsudhirak also noted China’s “manifest resurgence” through its historical role and geostrategic projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, describing the current geopolitical climate as a “new Cold War” marked by economic altercations.
Regarding ASEAN, Dr. Pongsudhirak highlighted that the intensifying major-power competition has diminished the organization’s centrality, causing divisions on issues like democratization in Myanmar, the conflict in Ukraine, and the situation in Gaza. He emphasized the significant impact of the U.S.-China relationship on Southeast Asia and ASEAN in recent years.
Earlier, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC, discussed the complexities and promises of the ASEAN region in the international order. He noted that ASEAN nations aim to maintain strategic autonomy while engaging constructively with major powers like the U.S. and China.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI, noted the current transitional period and the need for middle powers to play a more significant role. He called for reforms in the UN-led system of international laws to achieve a stable international order.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, fostering an engaging discussion on the future dynamics of Southeast Asia/ASEAN between the U.S. and China.