China in the World Southeast Asia and the Belt and Road Initiative
Jan 15, 2025
In this discussion, Ngeow Chow Bing, a nonresident scholar at Carnegie China, and Muhammad Habib from CSIS Indonesia dive into the Belt and Road Initiative's transformative impact on Southeast Asia. They explore how the BRI affects perceptions of China, highlighting its economic and political implications. The guests examine key infrastructure projects, investment dynamics, and the varying responses from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. They also address public attitudes shaped by historical relationships and environmental concerns, offering a nuanced view of regional geopolitics.
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BRI's Impact in Southeast Asia
- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has secured significant projects in most ASEAN countries.
- Notable examples include the China-Laos railway, Indonesian canals, and the East Coast Rail Link in Malaysia.
BRI as an Alternative for Southeast Asia
- China's BRI offers Southeast Asia alternative infrastructure development options, reducing reliance on traditional partners like Japan.
- BRI demonstrates China's commitment to the region, making Southeast Asia its largest beneficiary.
BRI's Impact on Intra-Regional Relations
- The BRI's impact on intra-regional relations in Southeast Asia is complex and project-specific.
- Projects enhancing connectivity are generally welcomed, while those perceived as disproportionately benefiting one country can cause friction, like the Cambodian canal.