Why the Asian century is Beijing’s favourite myth
14 October 2025
Is the 21st century really destined to be “the Asian century” and, by extension, one dominated by China?
In a new Lowy Institute Paper, entitled The Myth of the Asian Century, distinguished diplomat and commentator Bilahari Kausikan argues that this popular phrase is not only misleading — it is potentially dangerous.
Kausikan says the idea of the Asian century has become an article of faith among policymakers, pundits and business leaders. But he argues that this cliché conceals a far more complex reality.
“The contention that the 21st century will be, or already is, Asian is not simply a convenient, politically neutral, and overused trope,” he writes.
“Implicit in some usages is the idea that China, due to its size, spectacular growth, and increasing global reach, will define Asia’s future.
“China appropriates the idea that the 21st century will be Asian so that it becomes the story of China’s rise. It is a powerful tool, precisely because it is not a complete fabrication.
“The idea that the Asian century belongs to China is intended to get us to suspend our critical faculties by instilling a sense of fatalistic inevitability so that all other options seem futile and we will accept false choices forced upon us, primarily that we have to choose between the United States and China and that we better, in our own interests, choose the latter.”
Kausikan urges policymakers and analysts to look beyond slogans and engage with the region’s real complexities — its competing national interests, diverse political systems and uneven power distribution.
The Myth of the Asian Century is published by Penguin. It is available in bookstores and as an e-book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bilahari Kausikan is one of Singapore’s most experienced diplomats. He served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore. Among many appointments during his 37 years in the Ministry, he was Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador to the Russian Federation, and Ambassador-at-Large.
ABOUT THE LOWY INSTITUTE PAPERS
The Lowy Institute Papers are the Lowy Institute’s flagship publications. They are peer-reviewed essays and research papers on key international issues affecting Australia and the world.
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