The relationship between Southeast Asia and China reflects a complex interplay of strategic, economic, and ideological considerations that unfold in diverse and sometimes contradictory ways across and within Southeast Asian states, shaped by varying interests, actors, perceptions and lived experiences.This event unpacks these complexities by focusing on three new facets: the implications of recent leadership changes in Southeast Asian countries for Southeast Asia-China relations, the growing salience of technology in China’s regional engagement, and Southeast Asian responses to China’s ideational and ideological projection through its various global initiatives.
Drawing on insights from the recently launched China Through a Southeast Asian Lens series by Carnegie China, the event provides a timely exploration of these topical issues and fosters a candid dialogue between Southeast Asian and Chinese speakers. The discussion offers an exchange of different perspectives to better understand Southeast Asia’s evolving strategies in navigating its ties with China and how China perceives Southeast Asia’s importance in its global strategy.
Agenda
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Registration
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Opening Remarks on China Through a Southeast Asian Lens series
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Views from Southeast Asia
Moderator: Lee Sue-Ann, Senior Fellow, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Panelists:
Chong Ja Ian, Nonresident Scholar, Carnegie China
Elina Noor, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment
Hoang Thi Ha, Senior Fellow, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Coffee Break
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Views from China
Moderator: William Choong, Senior Fellow, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Panelists:
Gao Fei, Vice President, China Foreign Affairs University
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.
Carnegie India does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
Event Speakers
Lee Sue-Ann
Senior Fellow, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Lee Sue-Ann is a senior fellow and coordinator of the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme, and editor at Fulcrum, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
Chong Ja Ian
Nonresident Scholar, Carnegie China
Chong Ja Ian examines U.S.-China dynamics in Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific.
Elina Noor
Nonresident Scholar, Asia Program
Elina Noor is a nonresident scholar in the Asia Program at Carnegie where she focuses on developments in Southeast Asia, particularly the impact and implications of technology in reshaping power dynamics, governance, and nation-building in the region.
Hoang Thi Ha
Senior Fellow, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Hoang Thi Ha is senior fellow and co-coordinator of the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
William Choong
Senior Fellow, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
William Choong is a senior fellow in the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. His research Interests include Northeast Asia, U.S.-China relations, and the Indo-Pacific.
Gao Fei
Vice President, China Foreign Affairs University
Gao Fei is the vice president of China Foreign Affairs University, a member of the Political Science Teaching Steering Committee, Ministry of Education, and vice president of the Association of Diplomatic History of the PRC. He is also vice chairman of International Political Studies of China Association of Higher Education, and a recipient of the State Council Sponsorship for Prominent Experts.
Xue Gong
Nonresident Scholar, Carnegie China
Xue Gong’s current research interests include International Political Economy, China’s economic diplomacy, regionalism and governance, and geoeconomics in the Indo-Pacific.