Strategies of China’s Expansion and Taiwan’s Survival in Southeast Asia: A Comparative Perspective

This paper takes a comparative perspective in examining China’s expansion strategy and Taiwan’s Southeast Asian survival strategy that has been unfolding since the turn of the century. It argues that China’s expansion strategy has established a relatively solid relationship with most of the Southeast Asian countries. It however, faces challenges affecting further expansion in the region. Although Taiwan would continue to face the challenges of political isolation and economic marginalization which could greatly impact its survival, its political democratization may allow for its continued survival in the international community. Given the recent democratic shift in Southeast Asia, Taiwan has won more support and friendship across the region than China has been able to keep up with.