Southeast Asia does not want to choose — but it may not have to
Security from the US and commerce with China. Southeast Asia wants to have it both ways, but can it?
In Southeast Asian capitals it is commonly said: ‘We don’t want to choose between the US and China. We want to do business with China but have the Americans provide security.’
Who wouldn’t?
The problem, of course, with all such ‘good deals’ is that they cannot last forever. And this one too may be nearing its expiration date.
How much security can the US actually provide? Not as much as it used to.
The USN has about 300 ships to cover the globe, and it is growing only slowly. Meanwhile, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has about 360 ships.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans]()
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
![European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap]()
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
