China faces up to ASEAN facts

There is no mistaking the atmosphere of gloom at this ASEAN meeting. It is likely that the participants at this ASEAN summit will work out some program for mutual assistance. How effective this will be remains to be seen. But no one should underestimate the importance of this summit, especially since China is taking part for the first time.

For most of Asia, especially the collection of smaller nations perched precariously around the periphery of China, Beijing has long been a source of suspicion. The leaders of some of these countries are left with a vague sense of foreboding at emerging trends in China. They see the rise of a new economic giant in much more stark and magnified terms even than the Americans. But China, now the largest economy in the region, has the opportunity to lay those suspicions to rest for good.

That China has a positive role to play is no longer in doubt. Its very presence at this summit testifies to that. But how China will play its role is a big question mark. Will it adopt a domineering attitude? Will it, in view of the past, be too passive? Will it, in spite of its size, deal with the rest of the participating countries as equals? The answers to these questions are vitally important. They will decide the future of ASEAN. They also will decide whether there will be peace in the region or whether the suspicion of China will remain.

-- The Hong Kong Standard