Communist China's Economic Relations with Southeast Asia

Abstract

Communist China has traditional as well as ideo? logical interests in South and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, this region, particularly Southeast Asia, has been under strong Chinese influence for many centuries. Ideologically, Communist China today conceives herself as the leader of the liberation movement among the colonial and semi-colonial in Asia. While its tactics vary from place to place, the overall strategy of Peking toward South and Southeast Asia is to alienate this region from the West and to draw it eventually to the camp of peace and socialism. Specific attempts have been made to exploit the sentiment for peace, to promote the growth of neutralism, to attack SEATO and ali military agreements with the United States, and to establish an image of Communist China as a champion for oppressed people and as a model of progress for underdeveloped countries. To achieve her policy objectives, Communist China has skillfully operated along various fronts?diplomatic, political, economic, and cul? tural.