Southeast Asian countries face two dilemmas in the Sino-US AI chip war: aligning their technology stacks with either of the great powers and preventing the illegal diversion of restricted chips.
Competition for critical minerals is heating up, with China's rare earth curbs in retaliation for tariffs from the United States in the spotlight. Effective resource diplomacy will require countries to exercise sensitivity and foresight.
The Trumpian approach to critical minerals – evident from the United States' interactions with Ukraine – may force Southeast Asia to choose sides. The region needs to look at diversifying its technical partners in the energy sector.