Southeast Asia Rejects Geopolitical Pressure, Proposes Alternative Security Model

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, addressed the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, rejecting pressure to align with any geopolitical rival. Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing echoed this stance during the dialogue's final session, emphasizing the need for Southeast Asia to engage with both China and the United States, as well as other nations, rather than taking sides. Chan advocated for upholding principles that support a global order, avoiding a "law of the jungle."

This non-aligned stance was articulated following a speech by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who urged Asia-Pacific countries to increase their military spending. Da Wei, director of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, commented that Hegseth's efforts to create division between China and ASEAN countries would be unsuccessful.

Hegseth also outlined the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" of the U.S. The Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized his remarks, accusing him of promoting a Cold War mentality and vilifying China. Meng Xiangqing, a professor at the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army, stated that the strategy had only resulted in provoking incidents and destabilizing the Asia-Pacific region. He characterized the strategy as a tool for hegemony, promoting bloc formation, forcing nations to choose sides, and creating economic barriers.

Shen Chen, deputy director of the Department of International Political Theory at the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), stated that the U.S. strategy heightens regional tensions. Zhang Chi, a member of the Chinese delegation, highlighted China's Asian security model, which aligns with the common interests of Asian nations. This model, proposed at a recent conference, emphasizes shared interests, dialogue, and consultation.

Shen further explained that the Asian security model differs from the U.S. strategy by prioritizing win-win cooperation and equal consultation. He criticized the U.S. demand for increased defense spending, arguing it is unreasonable and could lead to an arms race. Shen concluded that regional countries prefer partnering with China and other major countries to maintain security through peace and collaboration, rather than following the U.S. approach of military expansion.