ABSTRACT
This chapter examines contemporary perceptions of Southeast Asian states vis-a-vis India–China maritime competition and the way these perceptions shape the responses of these countries. It examines the cases of Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The nature of US–China and India–China strategic competition, the latter specifically in the maritime realm, structures the external balancing strategies they have pursued. There are important links between US–China and India–China strategic competition in structuring the external balancing strategies these countries pursue. The chapter explores the literature on the security dilemma facing states in Southeast Asia and the strategies they have employed to deal with great-power competition in the region. It looks at Singapore and the strategies it has employed in dealing with maritime competition between India and China. The chapter also examines the cases of Vietnam and Philippines respectively. Security competition between India and China, specifically in the maritime domain, has become a key aspect of broader debates on the complexion of contemporary Asian security.
