China Talk 19 highlights US-China competition in Southeast Asia

Co-chaired by Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, vice president of the DAV, and Florian Constantin Feyerabend, resident representative of the KAS in Vietnam, the function featured the participation of 150 representatives.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Son welcomed the world-leading sinologist Prof. David Shambaugh who had joined the occasion as the main speaker, whilst also emphasizing that the nation has been actively seeking better co-operation with sinologists globally to have a deeper and more comprehensive outlook on China.

Prof. Shambaugh is an internationally-recognized authority and award-winning author on contemporary China and international relations in Asia. He is the gaston sigur professor of Asian Studies, Political Science & International Affairs, and the founding director of the China Policy Program in the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.

Echoing Dr Son’s view, Feverabend stated that the timeliness of this year’s event as it took place two days prior to the official launch of the ASEAN-US Special Summit in Washington D.C. which will be hosted by US President Joe Biden and attended by leaders from the 10 ASEAN member states.

During the course of his one-hour lecture, Prof. Shambaugh analyzed the changing dynamics of US-China relations in Southeast Asia. Indeed, he outlined the geopolitical and geostrategic significance of Southeast Asia as part of both the US’ and China’s policy, sharing his perspectives and views on the competition between the two powers and the approaches of Southeast Asian countries.

According to Prof. Shambaugh, competition between major powers will continue to linger in the region, although the level of rivalry will be contained to competitive coexistence.

China Talk is a long-term co-operation project held between the DAV and KAS Vietnam, with a view to expanding the network of diplomats, sinologists, and academics interested in Chinese studies both at home and abroad.