Last month, the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission held a hearing on “China’s Activities in Southeast Asia and the Implications for U.S. Interests.” Asia Times summarizes the testimonies from various members of Congress, government officials, and experts:
USCC commissioner Larry Wortzel emphasized China’s rising economic influence in the region, noting that numerous China-funded resource extraction projects were underway “with the goal of fueling China’s continued economic development”. He noted that Beijing also provides low-interest loans to fund infrastructure projects, especially in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.
While China’s economic overtures in the region are well documented, Wortzel noted that China has recently expanded its security interactions with Southeast Asia, including through arms sales and joint military exercises. “High-level military visits between China and Southeast Asia have been on the rise, as have port calls from Chinese naval vessels,” said Wortzel.
The hearing followed a trip in December by USCC members to Taiwan and Vietnam, where discussions were held regarding China’s growing presence in the region. While security ties are expanding, the USCC was frequently reminded in Vietnam that there was increasing anxiety in Hanoi about China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, where several regional countries have overlapping claims.
