Chinese Impacts in Southeast Asia
The actions of individual Chinese citizens – be they tourists, businessmen or migrants – are affecting regional perceptions of China well beyond the government’s own actions and narratives.
China’s economic ascent this century has coincided with its citizens venturing abroad to spend money or seek new economic opportunities, often yielding positive effects but sometimes leading to less favourable outcomes. These effects – not to mention the impact of Chinese criminal gangs and tourists – are documented in a book by Professor Han Enze, Associate Professor of the Department of Politics and Public Administration, titled “The Ripple Effect: China’s Complex Presence in Southeast Asia“. He employs media analyses, surveys, and various sources to assess perceptions of China in Southeast Asia, moving beyond a narrow focus on the Chinese state.
In the latest issue of the HKU Bulletin (May 2025, Volume 26 No. 2), Professor Han shares research insights and arguments illustrating that China’s rise will create numerous ripples, with Southeast Asia at the forefront.
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