Blog posts represent the views of CFR fellows and staff and not those of CFR, which takes no institutional positions. Historically, Southeast Asian countries, with rare exceptions like the Philippines ...

More than most regions in the world, Southeast Asia has found itself in the middle of the intensifying U.S.-Chinese rivalry. Most major countries in other parts of Asia are already spoken for: ...

China regards Southeast Asia as its periphery and seeks to shape the region to reflect its preferences. Beijing aims to dominate the region by establishing a Sino-centric hierarchy and regional order.

Trump’s abrupt 2025 tariff hikes have shaken Southeast Asia’s confidence in the United States, threatening regional supply chains and investment plans built on US market access. Countries like Vietnam ...