A senior Chinese Communist Party official reiterated Beijing’s stance that China does not seek to become a regional hegemon, while affirming its commitment to deepen energy cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The remarks were delivered at the GBA-ASEAN Summit 2026 held in Shenzhen.

Sun Haiyan, deputy head of the Party’s International Department, emphasized that China’s historical and cultural background, which she described as embodying “harmonious coexistence,” precludes the country from adopting a militaristic strategy to dominate smaller states. “For a country like China, it is extremely difficult to undergo a ‘genetic mutation’ and become a militaristic hegemony that bullies the small and weak,” Sun said. Referring to the cultural legacy that shapes China’s approach to diplomacy, she contrasted it with other countries whose histories of conflict make long-term peace harder to maintain.

Sun asserted that it is erroneous to assume that great powers inevitably seek regional domination. She highlighted China’s record since World War II, noting that Beijing has neither initiated conflicts nor formed exclusive military alliances. The official framed China’s rise as a model of “peaceful development,” underpinned by diplomatic concepts such as building “a community with a shared future for mankind.” However, she pointed to skepticism and opposition toward these initiatives, attributing them to containment efforts by established powers and external interests, implicitly referring to the United States. According to Sun, some countries externalize their domestic challenges—including inflation, unemployment, and ethnic tensions—by criticising emerging powers like China.

Sun also suggested that provocations against China reflect an underlying recognition of Beijing’s peaceful intentions, arguing that such actions would not occur if China were a true hegemon. No specific actors were named in this context.

In a separate discussion at the summit, Sun addressed regional energy security challenges heightened by the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has destabilized global energy markets and raised prices of fuel and related products such as fertilizers. Southeast Asia, heavily dependent on oil and gas imports from the Persian Gulf, has been particularly vulnerable. Affected governments have rolled out measures including shorter workweeks, remote work policies, subsidies, and price controls to mitigate the impact.

Sun expressed optimism about the region’s capacity to lead in resolving energy issues, citing China’s diversified energy portfolio and advancements in renewable energy technologies, which she described as both high quality and affordable. Beijing is prepared to share its expertise and technology with ASEAN nations to enhance collective energy security efforts. She underscored that the energy crisis requires coordinated regional planning rather than unilateral action.

China’s commitment to assisting Southeast Asia in energy matters was reiterated earlier this year, following the outbreak of hostilities in Iran, with Beijing pledging to continue fuel supplies to international markets despite concerns over export restrictions. The comments at the summit reflect China’s broader diplomatic strategy of fostering cooperation and stability in Southeast Asia amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.