Can Southeast Asia be part of a new world order amid US-China tug of war?
Southeast Asia has the potential to be a key player in a new international order, but this hinges on China's strategic approach, particularly given the growing uncertainty surrounding the United States' role in the region. Experts at the "China Conference: Southeast Asia" in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the shifting power dynamics and their implications for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The conference speakers observed that ASEAN nations have been in a state of uncertainty, especially with President Trump's threats to broaden tariffs, impacting not only China but also countries with significant trade surpluses with the US. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor at Chulalongkorn University, noted that while ASEAN has traditionally engaged with China as its largest trading partner and the US as a security guarantor, Trump's focus on economic nationalism raises concerns about the US's continued commitment to Southeast Asia.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Southeast Asia has the potential to be a key player in a new international order, but this hinges on China's strategic approach, particularly given the growing uncertainty surrounding the United States' role in the region. Experts at the "China Conference: Southeast Asia" in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the shifting power dynamics and their implications for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The conference speakers observed that ASEAN nations have been in a state of uncertainty, especially with President Trump's threats to broaden tariffs, impacting not only China but also countries with significant trade surpluses with the US. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor at Chulalongkorn University, noted that while ASEAN has traditionally engaged with China as its largest trading partner and the US as a security guarantor, Trump's focus on economic nationalism raises concerns about the US's continued commitment to Southeast Asia.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
