Asean states must secure their economic interests against foreign pressure

SINGAPORE/KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18: As one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world, South-East Asia has been a key focus for China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks to enhance China's economic influence by investing in infrastructure projects across Asia and beyond.

While some Asean countries have welcomed Chinese investment, others have become increasingly wary of China's practices, particularly in relation to its foreign policy and security ambitions.