China-ASEAN Collaborative Governance of Energy Transition under the Belt and Road Initiative: Status, Challenges and Approaches

This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the collaborative governance practices between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the realm of energy transition. It examines how the actions of Chinese energy-related entities have fostered political trust among ASEAN member states under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The process of energy transition is characterized by its regional nature, high investment, and prolonged transition period. ASEAN member states have demonstrated a commitment to achieving regional energy transition, yet they are deficient in the critical elements necessary to translate proposals into actionable practices. Supported by the BRI, various spatial levels of Chinese entities have entered ASEAN to participate in cooperative governance of energy transition. The cooperation between the China-ASEAN community on the issue of energy transition has enabled an orderly and efficient progression of energy transition in Southeast Asia. Concurrently, it has bolstered the trust of ASEAN member states in China, reducing their indecisiveness in regional affairs.