September 21, 2025, 4:04 pm
China’s defence engagement with Southeast Asia is increasingly shifting toward minilateralism—a focused, flexible, and targeted collaboration involving select groups of countries. This strategic evolution enables more efficient responses to specific regional security challenges such as terrorism, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance, while mitigating bureaucratic obstacles associated with larger multilateral frameworks.
However, differing perceptions, particularly around China’s activities in the South China Sea, continue to pose challenges to deeper cooperation. This talk examines the drivers behind this emerging minilateral approach, its current dynamics, and the potential implications for regional security, offering insights into how navigating these complexities could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific.
Content Creator – Australian Institute of International Affairs
