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Introduction Executive Summary In the fourth part of our ongoing series on Chinese Influence in Southeast Asia, our Focus shifts to Malaysia. As with all papers in this series, the aim is to create a foundation upon which more detailed research can be conducted in the form of specific case studies. Numerous factors contribute to Malaysia being a focal point for influence operations. The nation boasts the fifth largest economy in Southeast Asia, representing approximately 12% of the region's GDP. With substantial deposits of tin and oil along with ranking as the 11th largest producer of bauxite and manganese, Malaysia holds significant natural resource wealth. Additionally, it also holds the third largest gas reserve in the Asia-Pacific region, following China and Indonesia. Malaysia's economic landscape is characterized by robust agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Geopolitically, Malaysia occupies a pivotal position at the intersection of the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, making it also strategically significant. The Malacca Strait, a crucial maritime route linking the two regions, traverses along the Malaysian coastline. Moreover, Malaysia faces territorial disputes, particularly with China's claims based on the controversial nine-dash line, which encroaches upon Malaysian territories in the states of....

Introduction Executive Summary In the third part of our ongoing series on Chinese digital influence in Southeast Asia our focus is on the Philippines. The aim of this paper is to create a foundation on which more detailed research can be conducted as specific case studies. With increasing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea more research is urgently needed on Chinese influence operations targeting both the Philippines and the discourse around the South China Sea conflict. Key Findings: Members of the Chinese Embassy actively use their social media accounts to spread Chinese narratives in the Philippine information space. Official accounts are amplified by inauthentic accounts. There are examples of inauthentic coordinated behavior in the Philippines. The inauthentic pro-Chinese entity Asia Today is pushing out Chinese narratives around the South China Sea conflict.                    Historical Background Following its independence in 1946, the Philippines established diplomatic ties with the Republic of China and maintained them even after the nationalist government relocated to Taiwan in 1949. It wasn't until 1975 that the Philippines formally recognized the People's Republic of China and normalized diplomatic relations. Over the ensuing decades, the two countries engaged in numerous high-level visits and bilateral agreements focused on trade and cultural exchange, fostering what appeared to be a growing friendship............

Introduction Executive Summary In the second part of our ongoing series on Chinese digital influence in Southeast Asia we are taking a closer look at Indonesia. Indonesia has the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia and is the most populous Islamic country in the world. It boasts large deposits of natural resources such as oil, gas, nickel, gold, tin, and copper. It is one of the largest agricultural exporters in the world with nearly 30% of the land in the country used for agriculture and has a fast-expanding fisheries Industry. Under the guidance of President Jokowi Widodo Indonesia seen unprecedented economic growth an ongoing modernization of the countrys infrastructure and an increasingly flourishing tech sector, which has seen companies such as Tokopedia and Gojek arise. Geographically the country is a strategically important crossroad between the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. All major shipping lanes between the 2 regions, mainly through the Malacca Strait, need to pass along the Indonesian coastline. The demographic, economic and geographic factors explain much of the activity of Chinese influence in Indonesia. The country is a key regional player and increasingly taking up a prominent role on the international field, making it a priority for world powers such as China. Key findings: China is using both official and unofficial digital channels to push its narratives in Indonesia. Key narratives are focused on shading a positive light on the treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang, discrediting Japan around the Fukushima incident and..........

Introduction Executive Summary In the fourth part of our ongoing series on Chinese Influence in Southeast Asia, our Focus shifts to Malaysia. As with all papers in this series, the aim is to create a foundation upon which more detailed research can be conducted in the form of specific case studies. Numerous factors contribute to Malaysia being a focal point for influence operations. The nation boasts the fifth largest economy in Southeast Asia, representing approximately 12% of the region's GDP. With substantial deposits of tin and oil along with ranking as the 11th largest producer of bauxite and manganese, Malaysia holds significant natural resource wealth. Additionally, it also holds the third largest gas reserve in the Asia-Pacific region, following China and Indonesia. Malaysia's economic landscape is characterized by robust agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Geopolitically, Malaysia occupies a pivotal position at the intersection of the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, making it also strategically significant. The Malacca Strait, a crucial maritime route linking the two regions, traverses along the Malaysian coastline. Moreover, Malaysia faces territorial disputes, particularly with China's claims based on the controversial nine-dash line, which encroaches upon Malaysian territories in the states of....