BLUF
China’s growing dominance extends beyond naval assertiveness to arms sales and military exercises, deepening ties with regional defence leaders and fostering reliance on Chinese platforms, thereby expanding influence alongside coercive South China Sea actions.Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse China’s dual strategy of coercion and arms diplomacy in Southeast Asia and its implications for regional security dynamics.
- Evaluate the strategic consequences of Southeast Asian states’ increasing reliance on Chinese military platforms.
- Assess ADF and allied options for countering China’s growing defence influence through partnerships, capacity-building, and presence operations.
