The Rise of China's “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” and the Challenge to U.S.’s “Power Stability” in Southeast Asia

Abstract

This article aims to examine the prosperity of China's “21^st Century Maritime Silk Road” and the challenge to U.S. power stability in Southeast Asia. Specifically, it addresses How China's growing power and role in Southeast Asia through cooperation in the BRI policies along the “21^st Century Maritime Silk Road” economic and trade route affect the interests and power of the U.S. How do Southeast Asian countries (especially Thailand) benefit from the changing power stability of the U.S. and the prosperity of China's “21^st Century Maritime Silk Road”?

China's prosperity under the BRI in the context of the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” has shaped China's image, economic, political and military strength has exerted influence and boosted confidence in Southeast Asian countries, including greater trust in China. Consequently, it has greatly influenced the stability of power and interests of the U.S. Countries in the region are benefiting from China's increase in power and the risk that comes with it. Thailand, in particular, which is an important strategic point of America in the region, is affected while benefiting from the fact that both China and the U.S. are trying to compete for strategic areas in the world. Still, Thailand will benefit most if it remains neutral and properly leverages China's rise in power and the U.S.' weakening role.