Is Thailand Accommodating China?

Mark S. Cogan

《Southeast Asian Social Science Review》 4卷2期 (2019/11) Pp. 24-47

https://doi.org/10.29945/SEASSR.201911_4(2).0002

摘要

The growth of larger powers can alter the security of smaller states, who become more dependent on alliances and partnerships. As Stephen Walt (1985) notes, weaker states can do little to affect the overall outcome and must carefully choose the winning side. Realism is said to explain much about the behavior of lesser states, but this runs afoul in Southeast Asia. This paper explores small state options amid the rise of a larger power through the lens of the Thailand-China bilateral relationship. In the coup-dominated era of Thai politics, China's presence and steady policy of non-interference provides much-needed relief. However, Thailand's foreign policy is less effective at balancing and accommodates on issues of national security to satisfy Chinese interests. Yet on some issues of economic importance, Bangkok has resisted Chinese pressure. The paper details a case for selective accommodation with China through four case studies; recent infrastructure and development projects, military ties, the expulsion of ethnic Uighur Muslims back to China and the deportation of Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong.

關鍵字

accommodation ； bandwagoning ； Thailand ； China ； foreign policy