Southeast Asia: The New Battleground in the U.S.-China Rivalry?
The 21st century has witnessed a growing competition between the United States and China, and Southeast Asia has emerged as a crucial battleground in this strategic rivalry.
Competing Interests in a Vital Region
The region’s strategic location and bustling sea lanes are vital to both American and Chinese interests. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries are the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner and a significant destination for American foreign investment. For China, ASEAN is its largest trading partner and a cornerstone of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.
But amidst this intensifying competition, a vital question arises: What are the aspirations of Southeast Asian nations themselves? And how can the region navigate this complex geopolitical landscape to achieve peaceful cooperation?
A New Report Sheds Light on the Complexities
On the eve of the U.S. presidential elections, a new report from The Asia Foundation offers valuable insights into these critical questions. The report, titled “U.S.–China–Southeast Asia Relations: Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation,” emerged from two days of intensive discussions in Bangkok last spring. It provides valuable recommendations for policymakers in Washington, Beijing, and Southeast Asian capitals.
Expert Insights
Joining us this week to discuss the report’s key findings are its esteemed authors:
- Kuik Cheng-Chwee, Professor of International Relations at the National University of Malaysia’s Institute of Malaysian and International Studies in Kuala Lumpur
- Da Wei, Director of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University in Beijing
- David M. Lampton, Hyman Professor emeritus at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
- John Brandon, Senior Director of International Relations Programs at The Asia Foundation
This insightful report, “U.S.–China–Southeast Asia Relations: Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation,” was made possible by generous support from The Carnegie Corporation of New York. The views and opinions expressed in the report are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Carnegie Corporation or The Asia Foundation.
Dive deeper into the complexities of U.S.-China relations in Southeast Asia. Read the full report here: [link to report]