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

Abstract

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.