China’s significance in Asian and Indo-Pacific security cannot be overstated, as its economic, military, and political influence reverberate across the region and beyond. Since China is situated at the intersection of major maritime routes and sharing borders with multiple countries, its actions and policies have profound implications for regional stability and security dynamics.
Economically, China has emerged as a powerhouse, driving the growth of the Asia-Pacific region and integrating itself deeply into global supply chains. Its rapid economic expansion has transformed it into a key trading partner for many countries in Asia and beyond. Consequently, disruptions in China’s economy, such as financial crises or trade disputes, can have far-reaching consequences for the entire region.
Militarily, China’s modernization of its armed forces has raised concerns among its neighbors and beyond. China’s assertiveness in territorial disputes, such as in the South China Sea and East China Sea, has heightened tensions and prompted neighboring countries to bolster their own defense capabilities and shaped regional security alignments. The presence of unresolved territorial disputes and the potential for military escalation in these areas underscore the importance of managing China’s rise in a manner that promotes stability and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Politically, China’s diplomatic initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, and its participation in regional forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization shape the geopolitical landscape of Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Its growing influence in international organizations, coupled with its efforts to promote alternative governance models, poses both opportunities and challenges for regional cooperation and security architecture.
Moreover, China’s evolving security policies, including its approach to nontraditional security threats such as cybersecurity and climate change, intersect with broader regional security concerns. Cooperation with China is essential for addressing these transnational challenges effectively.
Understanding China’s role in the region is crucial for fostering stability, managing conflicts, and promoting cooperation in the dynamic and complex security landscape of the Indo-Pacific.
In my work with Carnegie China, I will endeavour to bring in new perspectives on China’s security relations with various major players in the region, particularly the United States, Japan, ASEAN, and India. I will also pay attention to some of the understudied and emerging areas, such as the role of nonstate actors in China in regional affairs and the impacts of U.S.-China trade and tech rivalry on Southeast Asia. I look forward to working with other colleagues at Carnegie and the wider scholarly community to advance our understanding of China and Asian and Indo-Pacific security.