The book unravels the Southeast Asian outlook on China’s pursuits in the Indo-Pacific Region (IOR). It is organised into two thematic sections: the first addresses the Southeast Asian perspective on China’s maritime and economic ambitions, and the second investigates India-ASEAN cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’s security ecosystem.

For this purpose, the volume brings together expert contributions from the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia, providing a multifaceted analysis of Southeast Asia’s China dilemma from economic, defense, and security vantage points.

With ASEAN becoming a pertinent investment destination, it becomes significant to study the broader implications of ASEAN states bilateral and multilateral trade dynamics. To achieve this objective, the book uses a data-driven analysis to uncover the latest developments and patterns in ASEAN trade. Further, in the era of hybrid warfare with the South China Sea becoming a recurring hotspot and Philippines the most threatened, the book addresses various issues concerning China’s maritime militia, submarine patrols, food and economic security of ASEAN states by studying affected States’ challenges and policy responses. Further, with Southeast Asia being India’s extended neighbourhood, the volume illuminates the evolving India-ASEAN relationship, focusing on shared interests and emerging complexities.

By and large, this book serves as a crucial reference for policy makers, scholars and students seeking to comprehend Southeast Asian perspectives on China’s IOR engagements and evolving Indo-ASEAN relations.