Beibu Gulf : emerging sub-regional integration between China and ASEAN

• Main Authors: Gu, Xiaosong, Li, Mingjiang
• Other Authors: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
• Format: Working Paper
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Economic development::China; DRNTU::Social sciences::Economic development::Southeast Asia
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/90649; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/4550
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This paper describes and analyzes an emerging sub-regional integration project between China and ASEAN: the Beibu (Tonkin) Gulf Economic Zone and the associated Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Region. We describe the historical and economic background and the origins of this new initiative. We analyze the opportunities and challenges that this sub-regional integration project may encounter. we conclude that the Pan-Beibu economic cooperation area is likely to become another economic integration initiative to further bind the economies of China and most of the Southeast Asian countries. If this sub-regional integration plan eventually takes shape in a five- to ten-year timeframe, it would have profound strategic and political implications for China-ASEAN relations and international relations in East Asia.