A timely look at the impact of Chinas booming emergence on the countries of Southeast Asia

An expert and lucid synthesis of the historical context and recent developments of Southeast Asias rich and complex relations with Beijing.John Reed, Financial Times

Today, Southeast Asia stands uniquely exposed to the waxing power of the new China. Three of its nations border China and five are directly impacted by its claims over the South China Sea. All dwell in the lengthening shadow of its influence: economic, political, military, and cultural. As China seeks to restore its former status as Asias preeminent power, the countries of Southeast Asia facean increasingly stark choice: flourish within Beijings orbitor 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 Chinas 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.