Southeast Asia is facing a growing divide as mainland countries move closer to China and maritime nations try to balance their ties with both China and the United States.
Mainland Southeast Asia Leans Toward China
Countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are increasingly aligning with China. This shift is mainly driven by China’s infrastructure projects, such as the new railway in Laos, which strengthens their economic and political relationships. China’s investments in these countries are growing. These countries benefit from China's financing and support, but it also gives China more influence over them.
Maritime Southeast Asia’s Balanced Foreign Policy
In contrast, maritime nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are pursuing a more balanced approach to foreign policy. These countries are careful not to become too reliant on China or the United States. They focus on maintaining strong global
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