Southeast Asia Does Not Have to Take Sides between US and China Tech Row, Say Analysts
Now that the tech rivalry between China and the United States is intensifying—specifically in areas such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors—pundits are urging countries throughout Southeast Asia to adopt a more pragmatic approach: embracing innovation from both sides without taking sides.
At a CNBC East Tech West conference session held in Bangkok on June 27, major tech industry players cited flexibility and neutrality as key factors in their success in Southeast Asia. These industry players noted that contrary to falling into alignment either economically or politically with one superpower, the region stands to gain from tech developments flowing from either of the two superpowers.
Nurturing Dual Ecosystems Toward Development
Julian Gorman, Asia-Pacific Head of GSMA, explained that Southeast Asia has historical and deep economic and technology connections with China as well as the U.S. Rather than perceiving rising U.S.-China competition as a threat, Gorman believes that this represents a unique chance.
“It’s not a matter of taking sides,” Gorman explained during a panel discussion. “We need a multi-ecosystem solution and leverage on both countries’ strengths.” He argued that Southeast Asia is targeting optimum access to both Chinese and American technology to catalyze its development, particularly in sectors like mobile connectivity, artificial intelligence deployment, and digital infrastructure.
The Region at the Epicenter of a Global Power Shift
Southeast Asia is in a unique geopolitical and economic position. A young demographic, rising internet penetration, and surging startup ecosystems make the region a likely tech hotspot. While China and the U.S. continue to invest in innovation and race to dominate globally, countries in Southeast Asia become more and more strategic partners—something that goes along with pressure as well.
Instead of succumbing to it, panelists urged policymakers and businessmen in ASEAN countries to take a long-term, balanced attitude. Instead of making decisions based on loyalty, they urged a view on how technology on both sides can be harnessed to respond to local issues and opportunities.
Encouraging Regional Autonomy and Innovation
Experts at the conference also called on members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to invest further in local innovation and the development of local talents. In cultivating local technology solutions and local startups, the region can reduce its reliance on external technologies.
This self-reliant orientation combined with unfettered access to technology of East and West makes Southeast Asia not just a consumer of global tech trends, but a producer and a shaper in its capacity.
Conclusion
This paper The unstated lesson of the summit was this: Southeast Asia doesn’t have to be dragged into the China-US geopolitics tug-of-war. Instead, its best choice is to remain strategically neutral, diversify its tech partnerships, and build a healthy internal tech ecosystem. That would enable the region to stay resilient, competitive, and innovative no matter what path the global tech industry goes on in the future.
