China’s Plans for Southeast Asia Amid US Tensions: No Concrete Developments Yet

Since December 2024, with the realization that US President Donald Trump is likely to pursue an aggressive trade war strategy in his second term, China has been intensifying its economic and strategic activities in Southeast Asia.

Trump’s trade war rhetoric, including threats of 60% tariffs on Chinese goods, has prompted Beijing to accelerate its “Maritime Silk Road” initiative under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).