ABSTRACT
Southeast Asia is traditionally seen by India and China as within their respective spheres of influence. China has been a keen player in this region for historical reasons in view of the existence of a large diaspora, energy resource supply, trade and investment linkages, and protection of its maritime interests. Thus China has worked hard to maintain a peaceful and stable environment on its periphery for its domestic economic construction and has placed special value on having good neighborly relations with Southeast Asia. As India’s “look east” policies were implemented, India has become more involved in this region because of its strategic importance and rich energy resources. Thus rivalry between these two giants in this region is unavoidable.
