TTLA: US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia from 2009 to 2020

Author name: Nguyen Thu Trang
Thesis title: US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia from 2009 to 2020
Dissertation field: International Studies
Major: International Relations Code: 9310601.01.
Name of the postgraduate training unit: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
1. Purpose and research objects of the thesis
The purpose of the thesis is to focus on analyzing and clarifying the current state of US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia from 2009 to 2020, thereby making comments and predicting future trends.
To clarify the above research purpose, the thesis focuses on solving the following tasks:
(i), Collect and systematize theoretical foundations on strategic competition from international relations theories and doctrines;
(ii), Analyze the current state of US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia from 2009 to 2020 in the fields of politics - diplomacy, security - defense, economy - trade and US-China strategic competition in the East Sea;
(iii), Analyze and comment on the current state of US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia from 2009 to 2020 and forecast future trends.
Regarding the research object, the thesis focuses on the US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia from 2009 to 2020.
2. Research methods used
The thesis "US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia from 2009 to 2020" applies many methods to highlight the research problem and increase the scientific nature of the topic. The specific methods used are as follows:
- Historical method: The research time scope of the topic is from 2009 to 2020, corresponding to 11 years, therefore, the US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia needs to be considered in the general context of the world and the situation of the Southeast Asian region.
- Policy analysis method is used to clarify the strategies and foreign policies of the US and China in Southeast Asia, contributing to showing the reality of the competition.
- The method of geopolitical analysis places the US-China strategic competition under the perspective of geopolitical competition and power competition in the Southeast Asian region, from which we can clearly see the strategic interests and strategic goals of the US and China in competing for influence in the region.
- Logical method, system comparison: The topic studies the strategic changes, foreign policies of the US and China in Southeast Asia to analyze the current situation of this strategic competition for the region and from there propose future trends. At the same time, the topic studies the US-China strategic competition in the East Sea because this is considered the place that clearly shows the current situation of strategic competition in US-China relations in Southeast Asia.
- Analysis and synthesis method: used to collect and evaluate sources of documents related to the topic, including strategies and foreign policies of the US and China. Specifically, the "Pivot" or "Rebalance" policy to Asia - Pacific of President Barack Obama and the "Indo-Pacific: Free and Open" strategy of President Donald Trump; the "Peaceful Rise" strategy, then "Peaceful Development" and the "Harmonious World" strategy under President Hu Jintao and the foreign policy under President Xi Jinping to realize the goal of "great Chinese national rejuvenation" in China's "Chinese Dream" through the "Belt and Road" Project, the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" Initiative, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
- Forecasting method: The thesis uses the forecasting method to propose the trends of the US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia in the future based on two analytical models: Mason's "Competitive Prism" and Galtung's "Conflict Triangle".
3. Main results and conclusions
3.1. Main results
- Overview of theoretical and practical basis of strategic competition;
- Reconstructing a general picture of the current state of US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia from 2009 to 2020 in the fields of politics - diplomacy, security - defense, economy - trade and US-China strategic competition in the East Sea;
- Forecasting the movement trend of US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia in the future.
3.2. Conclusion
- The US strategic competition with China is very complex and includes many related areas: politics - diplomacy, security - defense, and economics - trade.
- Southeast Asia continues to be the fastest growing and most dynamic region in the world with the main trend being cooperation and development.
- With its position as the intersection of two grand strategies of China and the US, Southeast Asia becomes a decisive location for the success or failure of each strategy, thus becoming a disputed location, fiercely attracting both the US and China.
- In Southeast Asia, the East Sea is considered a key area of ​​US-China strategic competition.
- The future of US-China competition does not have to lead to direct confrontation. While competition is inevitable, it is essential for both countries and the international community to ensure that this competition remains below the threshold of conflict, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation. The common future of the region and the world may well depend on this balance.
  

1. Research methods

2. Major results and conclusions