Summary
- Kishore Mahbubani said ASEAN should actively encourage China and India to improve relations.
- He warned that Southeast Asia would be among the first regions affected by worsening tensions between the two powers.
- Mahbubani called for stronger Asian voices in shaping global political discussions.
- He said closer China-India economic cooperation could benefit both countries and strengthen regional stability.
GEORGE TOWN, September 6 — ASEAN should play a more active role in encouraging better relations between China and India, former Singapore diplomat Kishore Mahbubani said Saturday.
Speaking at the inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue, Mahbubani described ties between Asia’s two largest powers as one of the region’s most important long-term relationships.
He warned that Southeast Asia would be among the first regions affected if tensions worsened. Mahbubani also called for greater Asian influence in global discussions,
Saying international affairs remain heavily shaped by Western perspectives. He said closer economic cooperation between China and India, including investment supporting India’s manufacturing ambitions,
Could benefit both countries. Mahbubani added that lasting peace requires realistic assessments of national interests and the underlying causes of conflict.
