The United States’ allies in southeast Asia fear that the U.S. is needlessly ceding its power and influence in the region to the Chinese Communist Party, according to one co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“One fear I have heard time and again from southeast Asian leaders is that the United States is ceding the Indo-Pacific to China,” said Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.).
“Our partners are desperate for the United States to demonstrate strength and leadership in the region, and they are deeply concerned that, without robust U.S. engagement, Indo-Pacific countries will grow ever more reliant on the People’s Republic of China,” she added, referring to the official name of the Chinese regime.
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