Strategic Hedging in Southeast Asia: ASEAN Member States’ Policy Responses to China’s Growing Economic Influence

Strategic Hedging in Southeast Asia: ASEAN Member States’ Policy Responses to China’s Growing Economic Influence

This study examines the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) member states’ policy responses to China’s growing economic influence in Southeast Asia over the past two decades. Using statistical data on trade, investment, and tourism flows, as well as analysis of key policy documents an...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tran Xuan Hiep, Le Hoang Kiet, Phan Thi Hai Yen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: National Sun Yat-sen University 2023-12-01
Series:Contemporary Chinese Political Economy and Strategic Relations: An International Journal
Subjects:
southeast asian
asean
china
china-asean economic relations
Online Access:https://icaps.nsysu.edu.tw/static/file/131/1131/img/CCPS-9(2-3)-Hiep.pdf
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Summary:This study examines the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) member states’ policy responses to China’s growing economic influence in Southeast Asia over the past two decades. Using statistical data on trade, investment, and tourism flows, as well as analysis of key policy documents and initiatives, the research finds that ASEAN countries perceive both opportunities and challenges from deepening economic ties with China. While welcoming increased market access and capital inflows, ASEAN states have concerns about economic dependency, erosion of ASEAN centrality, and strategic leverage. In response, Southeast Asian countries have pursued a multi-pronged strategy: i) Strengthening intra-ASEAN economic integration; ii) Diversifying economic partnerships beyond China; iii) Carefully evaluating Chinese investments, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) ; and iv) Leveraging ASEAN’s geostrategic position to balance relations with major powers. The study concludes that ASEAN faces ongoing challenges in maximizing economic benefits from China while maintaining strategic autonomy and centrality in regional affairs. Further research is needed on the long-term effectiveness of ASEAN’s adaptive policies in an evolving regional order.
ISSN:2410-9681

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