India China Rivalry and Competition in Southeast Asia

The main objective of this paper is to examine the implications of these gradual and in some cases opposing shifts in foreign policy of China and India in Southeast Asia. Both countries are increasingly struggling for a hegemonic position in the developing countries and especially in Southeast Asia. This struggle comes in different forms, sectors and countries and is in many cases intertwined geo-political and geo-economic rivalry. It is not always possible to distinguish between traditional security related rivalry or mere state based or private sector based competition. As this paper argues the rivalry which is unfolding in the Southeast Asian region is being played out in light of the wider global arena where also the interest and capabilities of the United States must be taken into consideration. The rivalry is manifold therefore the analysis must be based on an approach which seeks to explain the interrelated variables, inconsistencies and disruptive effects of India's and China’s dramatic rise and insertion into the global political economy and more specifically how this relationship is playing out in Southeast Asia.
The paper is divided into five sections. In the introduction the overall historical and strategic relationship between India and China has been briefly outlined. Second section recaps the theoretical considerations while part three focuses on China and India’s encroachment into Southeast Asia. Part four gives examples of competition and rivalry in energy and related resources between the two Asian titans in Myanmar and finally the conclusion wraps