At the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, a broad range of pressing regional and global issues will take center stage. It may not be on the official agenda at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit but leaders are bound to be discussing how the two superpowers are trying to make smaller Asian nations choose a side.
The three-day meeting, set to begin today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will address topics including regional economic integration, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and the promotion of peace, security, and stability across Southeast Asia, dw,com reports.
More than 30 heads of state and government representing the 10 ASEAN member nations are expected to attend, alongside global partners — among them U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to participate as a guest of honor.
Trump’s primary objective at the summit is to witness the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, a deal brokered after five days of border clashes. The accord, reached under significant diplomatic pressure from Washington, highlights the enduring influence of the United States in the Asia-Pacific — a region increasingly defined by strategic competition between Washington and Beijing.
This geopolitical rivalry extends beyond traditional diplomacy. Taiwan remains a flashpoint, with China viewing the island as part of its territory and the U.S. maintaining support for Taiwan’s self-governing status.
Likewise, the South China Sea remains a volatile zone of contention, where overlapping territorial claims by China, Taiwan, and several ASEAN nations — including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia — continue to challenge international law. China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claim, which covers nearly 90% of the sea, has been widely deemed illegal under global maritime rulings.
Between Two Powers
Beyond territorial disputes, escalating trade and technology tensions between the U.S. and China are further straining relations in Southeast Asia.
According to Felix Heiduk, head of the Asia research division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, these dynamics are forcing ASEAN countries into an uncomfortable position. “This competition increasingly resembles a zero-sum game,” Heiduk explained. “You’re expected to align with one camp or the other.”
However, ASEAN states are striving to maintain neutrality and strategic balance, refusing to be drawn into a binary choice. Analysts note that this balancing act has become even more difficult as both Washington and Beijing intensify their efforts to win regional allies.
Eroding Trust in the U.S.
A recent analysis by The Diplomat highlights growing skepticism toward U.S. policies in the region, particularly under Trump’s administration. His tariff measures have disrupted trade not only with rivals but also with longstanding partners, eroding confidence in America’s reliability.
Concerns are also mounting over the U.S. approach to sovereignty issues, as Trump’s controversial statements about territories such as the Panama Canal, Greenland, and parts of Canada have unsettled ASEAN leaders. Many fear such rhetoric could embolden China’s assertive behavior in the South China Sea, further undermining the sanctity of national borders.
Varied Responses to China’s Assertiveness
Meanwhile, China continues to consolidate its presence in disputed maritime zones, constructing artificial islands, militarizing outposts, and obstructing navigation routes. According to reports from the East Asia Forum, these actions — particularly near the Spratly and Paracel Islands — underscore Beijing’s determination to extend its reach.
ASEAN nations have responded in diverse ways. Economically and militarily weaker states such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos remain closely aligned with China, both out of necessity and strategic dependence. “These countries lack strong defense or security ties with the U.S., which limits their options,” Heiduk noted.
As the summit convenes, ASEAN faces a critical test: navigating great-power rivalry without losing its collective voice. For Southeast Asia, the challenge is not just about choosing sides — but about preserving regional autonomy in an increasingly polarized world.
