Changing Southeast Asia: The Role of China, the United States, Japan and ASEAN

Southeast Asia’s international perspective has been changing sharply in the twenty-first century. A multipolar structure has emerged, in which China, the U.S. and Japan work together with ASEAN to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Success in this endeavor depends largely on ASEAN’s influence and role. ASEAN understands China’s influence in the Southeast Asia is rising, while the U.S. is a “moderate superpower”; therefore, it is necessary to expand the impact and presence of the U.S. and Japan in order to counterbalance China. Despite China’s rise and the changing political landscape in Southeast Asia, the U.S. will continue to play an important role in the region.