China, US Press Southeast Asia to Join Rival AI Blocs as Beijing Offers Exclusive Perks
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 21
China, US Press Southeast Asia to Join Rival AI Blocs as Beijing Offers Exclusive Perks
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 21
Summary
Senior Southeast Asian governments have faced months of intensified lobbying from both China and the United States to sign onto competing AI frameworks, according to sources.
Beijing has pitched its AI organisation as inclusive and aligned with developing economies, while portraying the US-led body as exclusionary and offering exclusive incentives to attract Global South partners.
The parallel pressure campaign is testing Southeast Asia’s long-standing non-aligned posture as the region weighs strategic ties, market access and influence in the global AI race.