How much continuity is there between the Obama administration’s ‘rebalance’ to the Asia-Pacific and Washington’s current policy objectives and priorities? In what ways has China’s ‘assertive’ foreign policy toward its periphery given way to a new charm offensive and the lure of economic advantage?

This double-panel event will compare and contrast old and new priorities and policy instruments pursued by the US and China vis-a-vis East Asia. It will examine how states in Northeast and Southeast Asia are manoeuvring in reaction to the various challenges brought forth, against the current dynamics of great power relations between Washington and Beijing.

Panel One will explore how the presidential transition in the US has impacted Washington’s alliances with its Northeast Asian partners, examine China’s use of economic statecraft in the pursuit of its main policy objectives in Asia, and assess the implications for the international politics of the region that stem from recent developments in US-Russia ties.

Panel Two will examine Southeast Asian ‘hedging’ strategies with an additional focus on Indonesia’s reaction to rising Sino-US tensions, and explore perspectives on the evolving debates in Washington regarding the South China Sea.

The full conference programme, including speaker details, can be found at The Challenges of Trump’s America and Xi’s China: perspectives and strategies in Northeast and Southeast Asia. 

The Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre (SEAC) is an inter-disciplinary, regionally-focused academic centre within the Institute of Global Affairs at LSE. Building on the School's deep historical connections with Southeast Asia, the Centre seeks to promote the best academic and policy research on the region, deepen research ties with Southeast Asia, and improve the student experience at LSE.

The Department of International Relations (@LSEIRDept) is now in its 90th year making it one of the oldest and largest in the world.  

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