China becomes dominant external power in Southeast Asia ahead of the US

Tariffs, aid cuts, and visa limits tied to Donald Trump’s foreign policy are weakening U.S. standing in Southeast Asia, while China’s pull keeps growing, the Sydney-based Lowy Institute said in a report released Wednesday. The think tank ranks Washington behind Beijing as the region’s most influential outside partner, pointing to “patchy” U.S. diplomacy. China, it says, has built a steady presence through trade, investment, and regular high-level outreach across capitals in the 10-member bloc and its neighbors.