In the Dragon's Shadow: Southeast Asia in the Chinese Century

Southeast Asia is uniquely exposed to the waxing power of China due to its borders, claims over the South China Sea, and economic, political, military, and cultural influence. As China seeks to restore its former status, the region faces a stark choice: flourish within Beijing's orbit or languish outside of it. Sebastian Strangio explores the impacts of China's rise on Southeast Asia, the responses of the countries, and its implications for the future balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

Southeast Asia is facing a critical time in its relationship with China, as the region's economies, politics, and military are all being profoundly impacted by the rising power of the Chinese nation. With three of its nations bordering China and five being directly impacted by its claims over the South China Sea, Southeast Asia is uniquely exposed to the waxing power of the new China. As China seeks to restore its former status as Asia's preeminent power, the countries of Southeast Asia face an increasingly stark choice: flourish within Beijing's orbit or languish outside of it.

Meanwhile, as rival powers including the United States take concerted action to curb Chinese ambitions, the region has emerged as an arena of heated strategic competition.

Drawing on more than a decade of on-the-ground experience, Sebastian Strangio explores the impacts of China's rise on Southeast Asia, the varied ways in which the countries of the region are responding, and what it might mean for the future balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

The economic impact of China's rise on Southeast Asia has been profound, with the region's economies growing at an unprecedented rate in recent years. China has become Southeast Asia's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching billions of dollars annually. However, this economic growth has also led to concerns about job losses and wage stagnation in some countries, as Chinese companies have sought to lower labor costs by moving production to Southeast Asia.

The political impact of China's rise on Southeast Asia has been equally significant, with the region's governments increasingly dependent on Beijing for economic and security assistance. China has provided Southeast Asia with significant investment and loans, which have helped to fund infrastructure projects and develop the region's economy. However, this dependence has also led to concerns about Chinese influence over Southeast Asian governments and the potential for Beijing to use its economic power to exert political pressure on its neighbors.

The military impact of China's rise on Southeast Asia has been less apparent, but it is still a significant concern for the region's countries. China has been investing heavily in its military capabilities, including the development of its navy and air force. This investment has led to concerns about Chinese military expansion and the potential for conflict with neighboring countries.

The cultural impact of China's rise on Southeast Asia has been the most significant, with the Chinese nation's influence growing in the region's media, education, and entertainment industries. Chinese language and culture have become increasingly popular in Southeast Asia, with many Southeast Asian countries adopting Chinese names, symbols, and traditions. This cultural influence has led to concerns about the loss of Southeast Asian identity and the potential for cultural homogenization.

In response to the challenges posed by China's rise, Southeast Asia has taken a variety of approaches. Some countries have sought to strengthen their relationships with China, while others have taken a more confrontational approach. Some countries have also sought to balance their relationships with China and other regional powers, such as the United States and Japan.

One of the most significant responses to China's rise has been the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The ARF is a regional security organization that brings together the countries of Southeast Asia to discuss security issues and promote cooperation. The ARF has played a significant role in promoting stability and security in the region, particularly in response to the South China Sea dispute.

Another response to China's rise has been the development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a Chinese-led initiative that aims to promote economic cooperation and infrastructure development in Asia and Europe. The BRI has been criticized for its environmental and social impact, but it has also provided opportunities for Southeast Asian countries to invest in infrastructure and develop their economies.

Despite these responses, there are still concerns about the impact of China's rise on Southeast Asia. Some countries in the region are concerned that China's economic and political influence could lead to the erosion of their sovereignty and independence. Others are concerned that China's military expansion could lead to conflict and instability in the region.

In conclusion, Southeast Asia is facing a critical time in its relationship with China, as the region's economies, politics, and military are all being profoundly impacted by the rising power of the Chinese nation. As China seeks to restore its former status as Asia's preeminent power, the countries of Southeast Asia face an increasingly stark choice: flourish within Beijing's orbit or languish outside of it.

While Southeast Asia has taken a variety of responses to the challenges posed by China's rise, there are still concerns about the impact of China's rise on the region's sovereignty, independence, and stability. It is clear that the countries of Southeast Asia will need to continue to work together to address these challenges and promote a stable and prosperous future for the region.

Dimension: 197 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300266405