Whose rules, whose order? Southeast Asia and China’s growing power

Whose rules, whose order? Southeast Asia and China’s growing power

June 16, 2026 · 1h 2m

About this episode

Experts discuss the challenges Southeast Asia faces from China's growing power and the United States' transactional approach.

Southeast Asia’s economic and geostrategic significance is on the rise, but China’s expanding dominance and a more transactional United States are challenging the region’s future. As Washington and Beijing force unwanted choices on Southeast Asia, regional states are struggling to defend the open and interconnected order that undergirds their security and prosperity. Hear from international experts about how Southeast Asian countries are navigating China’s growing power, increasing uncertainty from the United States, and a more fragmented global order. Featuring Lowy Institute Research Director Dr Hunter Marston, Dr Lina Alexandra from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies Indonesia, and Dr Ja-Ian Chong from the National University of Singapore, and moderated by Senior Fellow Richard McGregor. More episodes of the Lowy Institute's podcasts are available on your favourite podcast apps, including  Spotify ,  YouTube  and  Apple . Follow the Lowy Institute on our  website ,  X ,  Instagram  or  LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Richard McGregor

Guests: Dr Hunter Marston, Dr Lina Alexandra, Dr Ja-Ian Chong

Topics covered

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lowy Institute, Centre for Strategic and International Studies Indonesia, National University of Singapore

Places: Southeast Asia, United States, China

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