China’s Economic Statecraft in ASEAN: Trade, BRI, and Strategic Leverage
China’s economic engagement with ASEAN has evolved into a sophisticated system of strategic leverage. Trade dominance, infrastructure expansion through the Belt and Road Initiative, currency maneuvering, and diaspora networks collectively form Beijing’s economic statecraft toolkit. While ASEAN benefits from market access and infrastructure financing, structural asymmetry creates vulnerabilities. This article examines the geopolitical implications of China’s expanding economic footprint and explores policy pathways for ASEAN resilience and strategic autonomy.