ARTICLES

Southeast Asian Perceptions of China: Beijing’s Growing Power is Recognised, but Feared

Lee Sue-Ann|William Choong

Data from a multi-year trend analysis of Southeast Asian perceptions of China suggest that the region remains apprehensive about China’s growing power and influence. Yet in the face of greater uncertainty over the future of the United States’ leadership role in the region, the preference has been to try to keep the peace with China.

Engaging Southeast Asia: The EU’s role as a Resilient and Reliable Middle Power?

Eugene R.L. Tan|Joanne Lin

The European Union (EU) is consistently seen in Southeast Asia as the preferred and trusted “third party” in hedging against the uncertainties of US-China rivalry and in its reputation for “doing the right thing” in the wider interests of the global community. But it needs to recognise the practical limitations Southeast Asian countries have in complying with its regulations and can do more to support capacity building programmes in the region.