Over the course of 2019, the trade war between the United States and China has intensified. Although negotiators from both countries are continuing to work towards a trade deal, there are growing concerns that the trade frictions are merely a symptom of increasing strategic competition between the two superpowers.

To help business leaders and policymakers understand the implications of the Sino-American tensions and how Asia is responding, the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) held our 12th ASEAN and Asia Forum (AAF) based on the theme, “The Sino-American Conflict and ASEAN: Surviving, Transforming, Succeeding”.

The 12th AAF took place on Thursday, 29 August 2019, at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. The forum brought together over 200 senior corporate leaders, diplomats, academics, and members of the media.

The forum featured views from Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, Dr Ong Kian Ming, Deputy Minister for International Trade and Industry, Malaysia, and experts from around the region.

Panellists at the 12th AAF agreed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other Asian economies need to continue moving forward with regional integration amidst the Sino-American tensions. This includes concluding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement, investing in infrastructure, and harnessing the digital economy. (Read more in this Conference Highlights)