Europe is intensifying its efforts to establish stronger ties with Southeast Asia while contending with the competition posed by China and the US, which continue to dominate the region.
European Attempts to Form Partnerships
Leaders across Europe are seeking to forge new alliances as US tariffs rise and China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea increase. French President Emmanuel Macron urged for deeper cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific at the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue, emphasizing the importance of stable global alliances.
Trade Dominance of China and the US
Currently, China is Southeast Asia's primary trading partner, with total trade reaching $982.3 billion in 2024, while the US ranks second with $476.8 billion. Europe lags behind with €258.7 billion. To enhance trade, more favorable conditions and active cooperation are essential.
Prospects for Europe in Southeast Asia
Despite challenges, analysts note that Europe could offer stable partnerships in critical areas such as energy security and digital governance. However, the lack of hard military power may limit Europe's influence in the region. Experts emphasize the need to strengthen economic ties to enhance Europe's presence and significance in Southeast Asia.
While Europe is actively trying to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape in Southeast Asia, it faces numerous economic and diplomatic hurdles to achieve significant influence in this strategically important region.
