Publication

Against the backdrop of Chinese military build-up, this working paper addresses military modernization, weapons procurement and defense reform in Southeast Asia. The paper summarizes the development of China's growing military potential and reviews arms modernization activities in Southeast Asia, providing details for Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Subsequently, the paper assesses other drivers behind arms modernization, including Chinese regional policy, changes in national military interests and doctrines and regional tensions. The paper argues that not China, but other external and internal factors contributed to the Southeast Asian military modernization efforts.