A senior Chinese Communist Party official addressed concerns from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stating that China has no intention of becoming a regional hegemon. Sun Haiyan, deputy head of the party’s International Department, emphasized China’s long-held principle of “harmonious coexistence,” suggesting it’s fundamentally opposed to bullying smaller nations. This message aims to alleviate anxieties surrounding China’s growing influence in the region. Sun asserted that a shift towards militaristic dominance would be a “genetic mutation” for China. Alongside this reassurance, Beijing also expressed commitment to enhance energy cooperation with ASEAN member states. The comments attempt to frame China’s role as a partner, not a dominant power, within Southeast Asia. This outreach is likely a response to growing scrutiny of China's assertive behavior in the South China Sea and beyond.