Southeast Asia Foreign relations of China

china s geopolitical ambitions focus on southeast asia, beijing intent upon establishing preeminent sphere of influence. china has pursued ambition diplomatic campaign designed bind region china - politically, economically, , militarily. china s transformation major economic power in 21st century has led increase of foreign investments in bamboo network, network of overseas chinese businesses operating in markets of southeast asia share common family , cultural ties.

historically, china s relations region has been uneasy, due country s involvement vietnam war, malayan communist party during first , second communist insurgencies in malaysia, communist party of indonesia , 30 september movement in indonesia. result, friendly relations indonesia under sukarno government broke off in 1967, , not restored until 1990, while diplomatic relations malaysia not established until 1974. china s conflict government of vietnam on support of khmer rouge in cambodia resulted in sino-vietnamese war , other border conflicts. china s relationship singapore good, , latter 1 of 3 countries can enjoy visa-free entry country, starting 17 april 2011.

in 2002, china , asean agreed create code covering conduct in south china sea, has yet finalized.

in 2010, china claimed indisputable sovereignty on south china sea, said other nations in area continue navigate waters. ted carpenter of cato institute has called these claims breathtakingly bold .

in 2011, china objected growing coalition of nations grouping resist chinese sovereignty on south china sea, saying these nations not counterbalance , contain china expected. later year china updated strategy prevent more members of association of southeast asian nations joining washington-led containment policy , through use of dollar diplomacy. has proven more effective poorer asean countries, these dependent on chinese support.