The region’s stake in AI is not simply which great power builds the most capable model. The key is to ensure that AI remains affordable, locally relevant, continuously available and politically accessible.
Southeast Asian countries are seeking to adopt some measure of autonomy in the AI technology competition between China and the US. The question is whether such efforts can be successful.
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.