🌟 Reflecting on an Insightful Lecture on China’s Influence in Southeast Asia 🌟
Date: 21 September 2023, 06:30 PM
Venue: Seminar Rooms 1, 2, 3
About 8-10 months ago, I had the opportunity to attend a fascinating talk as part of the GLOBAL CHINA LECTURE SERIES, focusing on China’s influence in Southeast Asia through infrastructure development. Understanding China is often considered challenging, as it’s said they have a “Great Wall of China” not just at their borders but also around their information.
The lecture, titled “Infrastructure and Chinese Influence in Southeast Asia,” was delivered by #SelinaHo, Assistant Professor in International Affairs and Co-Director of the Centre on Asia and Globalisation at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. Her research delves into Chinese politics and foreign policy, particularly how China exerts power and influence through infrastructure projects and water disputes in Southeast Asia and South Asia.
#Amb. #ShivshankarMenon, former Foreign Secretary and Visiting Fellow at Ashoka University, chaired the event, providing valuable insights and context.
Selina Ho’s discussion was rooted in the findings of her book, Rivers of Iron: Railroads and Chinese Power in Southeast Asia. She explored how China wields infrastructure as a source of power and examined the extent to which China has succeeded in converting this infrastructure power into influence. The talk highlighted how Southeast Asian states have responded to China’s ambitious infrastructure initiatives.
One of the key takeaways was the distinction between material and non-material power. While China’s increasing material capabilities are significant, especially in the context of the US-China power transition, non-material power plays an equally crucial role. Under President Xi Jinping, China has focused on strengthening its structural and discursive power, alongside its material power.
Listening to this lecture provided a nuanced view of China’s strategies and influence from the perspective of Singapore. It underscored the complexity of understanding China’s approach to power and influence in the region.
A big thank you to the organizers and speakers for this enlightening session. It was an excellent opportunity to gain deeper insights into China’s role in Southeast Asia.
#China #SoutheastAsia #Infrastructure #GlobalChinaLectureSeries #InternationalAffairs #ForeignPolicy #Singapore
