Step by step, China is creating a Southeast Asian maritime order under its leadership. It has become a key investor in the region’s blue economy and is strengthening security ties with countries that are concerned about the unreliability of the United States.
How much the region will cooperate with this maritime order depends on whether China can curb bullying behaviour in the South China Sea, and whether other partners can provide viable alternatives.
China’s focus on the blue economy and maritime security reflects the priorities laid out in the latest Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030). China is one of the most important…