GeopoliticsDigital Policy

ASEAN Cyber Diplomacy: Non-Alignment in a Bifurcated Internet

Southeast Asian nations are navigating between US and Chinese digital infrastructure without committing to either bloc — creating a third path in internet governance.

6 Jun 20261 min read

The Third Way

ASEAN member states have adopted what amounts to a digital non-alignment doctrine — accepting Chinese infrastructure investment (submarine cables, 5G) while maintaining regulatory frameworks compatible with Western data protection standards.

6/10

ASEAN members use Huawei 5G

While maintaining trade agreements with both US and China

$12B

Chinese digital infrastructure investment

In Southeast Asia 2020-2025

ASEAN states with data localisation

Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand

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