U.S.-China Rivalry: Southeast Asia’s Tough Choice

On November 19, Hudson Institute hosted a panel to discuss the rivalry between the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China and its implications for the region. Panelists included Hudson Senior Fellows John Lee and Eric Brown; CSIS’ Amy Searight; and CNAS’ Patrick Cronin.

Many in Asia have grown wary of the People’s Republic of China’s intentions and the risks that PRC’s “debt-trap diplomacy” and military ambitions pose to their security, sovereignty and economic prospects. Concurrently, the strategic, political and economic competition between America and China is deepening. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) insists on remaining neutral—and on staying clear of the now intensifying U.S.-PRC rivalry. As the 33rd ASEAN Summit concludes in Singapore, the panel will discuss the perspectives of the Southeast Asian countries positioned between the two most powerful players and economies in the world. Is this diplomatic fence-sitting still the better response for ASEAN countries, or is it time for these nations to make a choice?