China Southeast Asia Partner US Influence Report
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China Extends Influence as Southeast Asia’s Leading Partner
Table of Contents
A new study reveals China’s growing dominance in southeast Asia, surpassing the United States in overall influence despite regional efforts to diversify partnerships.
What’s Happening?
china has solidified its position as the most influential external power in Southeast asia, according to the Southeast Asia Influence Index released by the Lowy Institute on Wednesday. The index scores China at 65 out of 100, narrowly edging out the United States with a score of 64.
This marks China as the leading partner in six of the region’s eleven countries: Cambodia,Indonesia,Malaysia,Myanmar,Thailand,and Vietnam. While Southeast Asian nations are actively seeking to diversify their relationships, China’s economic weight remains a notable factor.
The Numbers: Southeast Asia Influence Index 2024
The Lowy Institute’s index measures influence across ten categories: political influence, economic influence, diplomatic influence, cultural influence, military influence, governance influence, ideological influence, resilience, trade, and investment. Here’s a breakdown of the top players:
| Rank | Country | Score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 65 |
| 2 | United States | 64 |
| 3 | Australia | 57 |
| 4 | Japan | 56 |
| 5 | India | 52 |
Why China’s Influence is So Strong
China’s economic dominance is the primary driver of its influence. The country accounts for approximately 20% of all Southeast Asian exports, substantially more than the United States’ 16%. This economic reliance creates strong ties, particularly in sectors like tourism, investment, and trade.
Beyond trade, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (Council on Foreign Relations) has led to substantial infrastructure investments across the region, further cementing its economic footprint. Thes investments,while beneficial,also raise concerns about debt sustainability and potential political leverage.
Diversification Efforts and Regional Concerns
Despite China’s leading position, the Lowy Institute report emphasizes that Southeast Asian nations are actively pursuing diversification strategies. This is driven by a desire to avoid over-reliance on any single power and mitigate the risks associated with the intensifying rivalry between the US and China.
However,the report notes that several countries remain “highly exposed” to China in key sectors. This vulnerability creates a complex dynamic, as