France International Radio wrote tonight (November 25): "Le Figaro: Southeast Asia wants to please Trump, but not offend China. Le Figaro stated that in this region, seen as the engine of global growth, the struggle for influence between the US and China is intensifying. The President of the United States hopes to win some victories in the information war, while Beijing advances its strategy with a stable image of 'Made in China'. Analysis points out that these countries believe that engagement with China is more predictable in the long term, but they also want to show Trump that they still have value in his geopolitical game."
[Witty] Comment: Southeast Asia is playing both sides between the US and China, which is actually a realistic consideration for maximizing their own interests. The US is pressuring through geopolitical games, trying to attract Southeast Asia to balance against China; while China, relying on "Made in China" and deep integration into the regional economy, has irreplaceable interests in infrastructure, supply chains, etc. Countries want to use US security cooperation to demonstrate their presence and prove their value to Trump, but they also know that China, as an unmovable neighbor, would cost a high price if angered. Therefore, many countries adopt a balanced strategy of "tactical cooperation with the US and strategic deepening with China", carefully navigating between the two giants. This kind of fence-sitting diplomacy may be risky, but it's a practical approach for small and medium-sized countries to survive in the great power game. Ultimately, the regional pattern is still dominated by China's economic influence.
Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1846964899730503/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.