The Rationale for the Volume

This volume on China's Rise in Mainland ASEAN: New Dynamics and Changing Landscapes explores the recent rise of China, ASEAN's giant neighbor, and the significant economic, political, and socio-cultural developments in the ASEAN region. In the last two decades, China has established itself as a powerful regional and global power, surpassing Japan in 2010 as the second largest economy in the world, and becoming a major player in South East Asian affairs.

While China's spectacular growth increases its global influence, it also makes its neighbors increasingly vulnerable due to their growing dependence on China. These developments have led China to exert considerable influence on its immediate ASEAN neighbors through its evolving foreign policy.

Concerns and Focus

Although China-ASEAN bilateral relations are soaring, there are growing concerns among ASEAN member countries about China's engagement with ASEAN. This book specifically focuses on China’s influence on mainland ASEAN countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Contributions of the Book

China's Rise in Mainland ASEAN: New Dynamics and Changing Landscapes offers useful insights, rich discussions, and debates that contribute to building a knowledge base and a better understanding of China's rising influence in mainland ASEAN.