A US strategy to trump China in SE Asia

The US can enhance trust and partnerships in Southeast Asia and change the region’s prevailing attitudes toward the great powers by focusing on three key pillars: intelligence-sharing, presence and multilateralism.

The region is home to key current and potential US allies and partners who are most vulnerable to Chinese influence and power projection, making perceptions particularly crucial during this time of great power competition.

Elites in Southeast Asia currently view China as having more influential economic, political, and strategic power than the US or any other entity, according to “The State of Southeast Asia 2023” report by the Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

Many decisions made by elites and leaders in Southeast Asia are influenced by these perceptions, so the US must work on changing how it is perceived. Fortunately, there are a few simple initiatives that can quickly alter how Southeast Asia views the US, all of which can be implemented almost immediately.

Intelligence-sharing

The US should establish an intelligence-sharing network with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, specifically with Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. This network will enable the US to quickly communicate Chinese subversive tactics with partner nations and increase transparency.

The goal is for each country to realize the benefits of multilateralism when dealing with China. Intelligence sharing will also demonstrate that the US is a reliable strategic partner with the interests of allies and partners in mind.

We can already see the success of increased information sharing through what Sealight’s Ray Powell and Dr Benjamin Goirigolzarri coined the