ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Southeast Asian states’ contemporary perspectives on the rise of China, and explains why their threat perceptions have been reduced significantly over the last 15 years. It suggests that a combination of astute Chinese diplomacy; a successful Southeast Asian regional security strategy; and the relative restraint exercised by China, the US, and other major regional powers, have produced a reasonably stable regional order underpinned by continued American preponderance, growing Chinese engagement, and mediumpower political activism. In the sections that follow, we first set the context by outlining Southeast Asian strategic imperatives as well as Chinese strategic aims
in the region. This is followed by an analysis of Southeast Asian perceptions and evaluations of the consequences of China’s rise in the military, political, and economic realms. Subsequently, we discuss Southeast Asian response to the China challenge within the context of their larger regional security strategies and preferences for regional order. The paper ends by highlighting some outstanding questions related to the regional and international strategic impacts of China’s rise.
