As tech competition moves into the biotech sector, China is increasingly shifting its focus to nearby regions to alleviate U.S.-induced supply chain pressures. As part of this transition, Southeast Asia has emerged as a favored destination.

Because strategic, economic, and ideological perceptions of China contain multiple, sometimes contradictory facets in Southeast Asia, receptions of and responses to Beijing diverge across and within state lines.

Most Southeast Asian states behave as if the actions of their Northeast Asian neighbors and the Philippines will be sufficient to maintain a regional status quo from which they can benefit.