United States Interference in China's Regional Integration Process: Case Study of Sustainable Energy Projects in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Energy security is a crucial concern around the world. However, most scholars now analyze China's energy security in terms of global events and geopolitics. Little research has argued how current policies introduced by the G7 group may indirectly impact China's strategy to safeguard its Southeast energy security. This paper analyses the motives behind China's ambitious sustainable energy projects in Asia from China's energy security perspective. Moreover, to safeguard its future sustainable energy security, it has standardized China's southern neighbors' hard and soft infrastructure in ASEAN. This paper then discusses the G7 group's flagship project in Southeast Asia, led by the United States, for fear of China becoming a regional hegemon. The project could also indirectly threaten China's future energy security. Lastly, this paper discusses how the increased competition introduced by the G7 group, especially the United States, may improve the projects offered by both China and the western countries, which could provide more leeway for ASEAN countries to negotiate.