Articles by Lye Liang Fook

Not distracted: Southeast Asia remains firmly in China’s diplomatic orbit

China has kept Southeast Asia in its sights despite other pressing concerns: it seeks to draw Vietnam closer by highlighting their socialist credentials and has reached out to the Philippines despite their differences. Malaysia’s East Coast Railway Line will also bind Southeast Asia closer to China, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.

Lye Liang Fook

06 May 2026

China’s diplomatic blitz in Trump’s backyard — who will dominate the western hemisphere?

The high frequency of foreign dignitaries from Asia, Europe and South America visiting China at the start of 2026 indicates a strong focus and urgency behind Beijing’s effort to draw US allies closer and counter America’s efforts to restore preeminence in the western hemisphere, observes ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.

Lye Liang Fook

27 Feb 2026

A G2 moment for Southeast Asia?

From online scams to the fragile Thai-Cambodian ceasefire, the US and China face shared challenges in Southeast Asia. Cooperation could secure regional stability — and boost both leaders’ global standing, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.

Lye Liang Fook

23 Jan 2026

Inside Xi Jinping’s push to reshape global governance

China’s recently unveiled Global Governance Initiative (GGI) differs from earlier calls to reform the global order in terms of the scope and drive for change. Beijing now seeks a leading role on the world stage either with the US playing a diminished role or without the US. But global reception to the GGI hinges on Beijing matching its words with action.

Lye Liang Fook

19 Sep 2025

Timor-Leste and China: Navigating the fine line of power and progress

China’s early aid sways Timor-Leste on Taiwan & global initiatives. Ahead of ASEAN entry, the bloc must empower Dili with more options for independent play. ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook shares his views.

Lye Liang Fook

27 Aug 2025

Marking 35 years: Singapore’s grounded approach to China engagement

Singapore and China have committed to deepening their All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership during Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit to China. Although Beijing would like Singapore to sign on to its Community of Shared Future vision, it seems receptive to Singapore’s preference for pragmatic cooperation that produces tangible outcomes for the two countries. ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook explains.

Lye Liang Fook

02 Jul 2025

Is the ‘China-ASEAN+’ model quietly taking shape?

Successive visits by top Chinese leaders to Southeast Asia reflect the region’s importance to China, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook, who argues that stronger ties will allow China to burnish its credentials as a reliable partner and counter US influence.

Lye Liang Fook

04 Jun 2025

China-Russia relations: The limits of ‘no limits’

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Russia appears to have reinforced the “no limits” partnership between the two countries. China wants to work more closely with Russia to build a multipolar world order and counter an increasingly unfriendly US. But it still has to deal with Russia over differing ambitions and national interests, and trade and investment concerns, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook. 

Lye Liang Fook

16 May 2025

China’s 2+2 diplomacy in Southeast Asia: Building bridges or papering cracks?

China has pushed for 2+2 or even 3+3 joint dialogue mechanisms with a few Southeast Asian countries amid the worldwide disruption caused by Trump’s policies and tariffs, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook. These platforms could potentially draw Southeast Asia closer to China provided they can overcome constraints such as the lack of trust and China’s actions in the South China Sea.

Lye Liang Fook

13 May 2025

Embracing Xi’s ‘Asian family’ while keeping US ties: Southeast Asia’s tightrope

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia on his first overseas trip in 2025. His visit showed that China wants to work more closely with Southeast Asia to strengthen ties and weather the negative impact of Trump’s tariffs, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook. While Southeast Asia as a whole is prepared to engage China more, they still see value in having the US as a key partner.

Lye Liang Fook

22 Apr 2025

Why China won’t send a peacekeeping force to Ukraine

There is a suggestion that China could send a peacekeeping force to Ukraine once the fighting stops. However, this is not a straightforward matter as Ukraine and Russia would first have to agree to a Chinese presence. There is the further issue of how a Chinese peacekeeping force would fit into a bigger European contingent. ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook examines the issue.

Lye Liang Fook

20 Mar 2025

China and Brunei: Navigating the South China Sea and shared futures

Most observers tend to be dismissive of China’s relations with a small country like Brunei. However, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s state visit to China provides a good basis to highlight the narratives put forth by Beijing about the China-Brunei relationship. ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook tells us more.

Lye Liang Fook

17 Feb 2025