The essay analyzes the factors influencing China's participation in the regional regimes (i.e.,the ASEAN Regional Forum
,“10+1,”as well as“10+3”) in which the ASEAN takes the lead.The essay argues that China's involvement in the aforementioned regimes involves three kinds of interest considerations,namely
political and security
interests ,economic interests ,and prestige or image interests.The political and security interests include the preservation of stability in the neighboring environment,the promotion of a multipolar system,the removal of fears of a“China threat,”expansion of its influence ,and preventing Taiwan from establishing a substantive relationship with the ASEAN countries.The economic interests include implementation of the“go outside”strategy and advancement of regional integration.The prestige or image interests include the establishment of a responsible big power.The main idea of the essay is that China takes an active part in the regional international regimes not only out of concerns about political,economic,and security interests,but also due to changes in identity.