Modern Social Science Research

The relationship between China and ASEAN has always been a crucial component of Chinas foreign strategy. Particularly in the post-Cold War era, with shifts in the international landscape and the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), strategic cooperation between the two parties has deepened significantly. This paper analyzes the evolution of China-ASEAN relations under the BRI through the lens of role theory in international relations. First, it establishes an analytical framework based on role theory to examine China’s self-perception of its national role and ASEAN countries expectations of China’s role. Then, by exploring China-ASEAN cooperation in economic, political, and cultural domains, the paper investigates their strategic alignment and the deepening of collaboration under the BRI. Finally, based on Chinas existing policies toward ASEAN, this study proposes several recommendations to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the future development of their relationship.

Role Theory; Role Positioning; Role Expectations; China-ASEAN Relations